If tidal power proves feasible, hundreds of underwater turbines could be installed off P.E.I. shores. (CBC)

An experiment in harnessing the power of tides in the Bay of Fundy is generating interest from the P.E.I. government.

Premier Robert Ghiz would like to like to see a test done for tidal power potential off the shores of P.E.I.

"It's in the very preliminary stages," said Ghiz.

"But from everything that we're hearing, there could be some potential here on Prince Edward Island to develop similar technology to really help us offset our wind regime here on the island."

The demonstration project in the Bay of Fundy got the green light this week. The first of three underwater turbines will be installed next month.

Another renewable energy

Ghiz hopes tidal power could be another renewal energy source that could supplement the province's wind energy.

Premier Robert Ghiz said development on P.E.I. is still five to 10 years away. (CBC)

While the Island has great potential for wind energy, output changes day to day according to how the wind blows.

In contrast, tides keep a tight schedule, allowing engineers to accurately predict how much power they'll produce and when.

While tidal power produces no carbon emissions, fishermen and environmental groups are concerned about the impact of underwater turbines on Atlantic salmon and lobster. If commercial-scale production goes ahead, there could be hundreds of tidal turbines submerged off shore.

Ghiz said the environmental impact and the cost of tidal power from Fundy will be key factors in any future development on P.E.I.

"They'll do their preliminary work now in the Bay of Fundy, and after that we're planning on inviting them over in the not too distant future to look at some potential here on Prince Edward Island," he said.

If the Fundy project proves commercially feasible, P.E.I. might also one day purchase power from there. Any tidal power development on P.E.I. is still five to 10 years away.