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Tidal energy could be used to power homes in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark in the next 20 years.

The French energy company, EDF, is trialling the first of four underwater turbines in the Bay of St Malo.

If successful, it will pave the way for the world's largest tidal energy station, capable of powering up to 4,000 homes.

Chris Ambler, the head of Jersey Electricity, said it was too expensive at the moment.

The authorities in Jersey are working with Sark and Guernsey to see whether similar technology could work in local waters.

Jersey politician, Constable Dan Murphy, chairs the Tidal Power Commission and said the islands would co-operate to harness the power of the sea.

He said: "It will hopefully save us quite a lot of money and speed us up a bit because if we're doing something and Guernsey are doing the same thing it's absolutely pointless, we're wasting money.

"We also have two lots of expertise that can be put into the pot, so we're going ahead with Guernsey and Sark.

"Alderney of course can't come into it because they're already so far ahead."