States to debate tide power plans

Alderney has been considering tidal power plans for five years

Politicians in Alderney are to discuss giving the go-ahead for using tide-generated electricity.

The States is to debate giving an early licence to Alderney Renewable Energy at its meeting on Monday evening.

A slot has become available on the French electricity grid which would let Alderney sell power generated on the island back to the continent.

The meeting has been prompted because the French authorities need an answer by the end of the week.

Alderney has been investigating the possibility of harnessing its strong tidal flows for electricity since 2003 when a contract was signed with Alderney Renewable Energy to develop a scheme.

The island has one of the best and most accessible tidal power resources in Europe, a report from the UK's then-Department of Trade and Industry said.

The department has since been replaced by the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform.