A Dutch energy company is considering the Tay for a new tidal wave project that could eventually provide power for thousands of homes.
Tocardo BV is in negotiations with Marine Scotland over siting 20 turbines in the Tay estuary.
The company has had representatives in Dundee over the past days and is in the throes of establishing a new office in the city.
The turbines which Tocardo hopes to have “in the water” next year are collectively capable of generating two megawatts of power, which would provide electricity to around 2200 homes.
Company general director Hans van Breugel said there was huge potential in the Tay as a site for in-river turbines and said the company would look to expand its operations once it had an initial site up and running.
The wave turbines which cause very little visual impact as most of their workings are submerged are already in use at various sites around the globe.
The plan is to import the manufactured turbines from Holland to Dundee but the foundation, installation and maintenance work would be carried out by a local workforce.
Initially only a few set-up jobs will be available but it is anticipated that more posts will be created once the turbines are operating.
“The purpose of our visit was to investigate the potential of the Tay river for tidal energy,” Mr Van Breugel said. “We have been a few times and we are setting up an office in Dundee for UK further development.
“We have sites identified (in the Tay), we are talking seriously with clients and customers and we expect within 12 months to be in the water.
“It will be a power generator but, of course, it will also be a demonstration programme. There is no testing (required) because the system we have is commercially available and it is, for us, a commercial opportunity.”
Tocardo already has a Scottish presence at a base in the Pentland Firth.