Tidal and wave power capacity off the coast of the Pentland Frith in Scotnald is to be mapped using high-grade radar.
Researchers will study the "unique" area to understand the sub-sea activity better as the area prepares for developments to support the renewable energy industry.
E.ON notes that electricity can be generated from tidal energy using barrages or dams in areas where tide moves in and out of bays or from tidal streams which drive underwater turbines.
Dr Sandy Kerr, lecturer in Environmental Management, said that the Pentland Firth was unique, consisting of "a fast tidal race over area, about 36 square miles, with the tides to the west, in the North Atlantic, slightly out of phase with that in the North Sea".
She added: "This means that every day a huge volume of water flows west to east then back again through a very confined space."
The study will be led by Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Inland Technology in Orkney and the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso
In March 2007, E.ON announced places to set up an eight megawatt tidal stream project off the west coast of the UK.
