A huge project to build one of the world's biggest tidal stream power stations off the British coast was unveiled yesterday.

Under the proposed multi-million pound scheme, tidal streams would turn a number of large turbines on the sea floor which would generate enough electricity to power as many as 5000 homes.

The tidal stream power station is being developed by Lunar Energy, a Glasgow-based firm specialising in creating new technology to provide carbon-free electricity, and energy giant E.ON UK, the company which owns Powergen.

Unlike wave farms, which use floating barges to capture energy from the sea, tidal stream power stations will use turbines anchored to the sea bed.

Between four and eight turbines, each 15 metres in diameter, would be used to generate energy by harnessing the energy of tidal streams, which are fast-moving currents created by rising and falling tides.

It is hoped the turbines will have a generating capacity of eight megawatts.

The tidal turbine design has been specifically engineered to have minimal impact on shipping and marine life.

William Law, Lunar Energy chairman, said: "This-cutting edge technology has worldwide implications for the global provision of renewable energy and comes with a base power source that is both predictable and free."

Early feasibility studies have been completed and the partnership is reviewing a short list of potential sites for the scheme off the west coast.