SOUTHEND council is looking at using tidal power to cut costs and save energy.

A feasibility study could soon be underway looking at wave power and tidal energy near the pier.

The council is looking to set aside £75,000 in its budget to look at a number of energy-savings schemes, including the use of solar power.

The work could be carried out with help from Horizon 2020 am EU research and innovation programme ever with nearly 80billion euros of funding available over seven years

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “We want to do a study into wave and tidal energy. We’re looking at what we can do. We’ve been looking at Horizon 2020’s work and tidal power which could bring in revenue.”

Up to 1,000 devices could be anchored to the seabed for the scheme.

Jon Fuller, from the South East Essex Friends of the Earth, said: “I am very keen indeed to explore such research and development schemes but for a small town like Southend I think we must look at ways of getting a grant to fund it. I am not aware of anything in terms of tidal power that will generate power. Currently anything to do with the sea and tidal waves is difficult to make work.

“It’s not cost effective because of the corrosive power of the sea and tides.”