Ireland could reverse its dependence on imported energy by drawing on the potential of the Atlantic Ocean, Minister for Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey has said.
Europe's most "energetic" wave resource could also create sustainable employment in coastal communities, he said.
He confirmed that the Government's national energy policy would be published this summer.
Speaking at the publication of an ocean energy strategy in Galway, Mr Dempsey said the Republic was particularly exposed to supply disruption, given that 89 per cent of energy needs were imported.
Tapping the Atlantic could ensure that the State was far more secure, while also becoming a "potential leader" in ocean energy technologies.
The five-year strategy, drawn up by the Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Ireland, notes that any domestic market for ocean energy in the Republic could be worth millions to the economy, and reduce carbon dioxide output. By securing 20 per cent of the European export market for the sector, Irish technology developers could also boost exports.
The five-year strategy will begin with research and development of scale-model wave energy generators.