U.S. investing $16 million in marine energy

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Energy Department said it was putting $16 million behind efforts to harness energy from waves, tides and currents.

The department said said it believes the process could generate as much as 1,400 terawatt hours of electricity. It estimates 1 terrawatt hour is enough to meet the energy needs of 85,000 homes.

Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy David Danielson said the government was backing more than a dozen projects, with a combined $16 million.

"Wave and tidal energy represent a large, untapped resource for the United States and responsible development of this clean, renewable energy source is an important part of our all-of-the-above energy strategy," Danielson said in a statement Thursday.