Plans are underway for Durban to be the first South African city to generate electricity from the sea, The Mercury reported on Wednesday.
The project involves using the fast flowing Agulhas current to power floating generators.
Durban Investment Promotion Agency acting head Russell Curtis told The Mercury environmental impact studies still needed to be scrutinised.
"If everyone is happy from the environmental point of view, Durban will be the first customer to get electricity from the project," he was quoted as saying.
Ratepayers would not fund the development, which would cost R155 million.
The project, set to be installed next year, was being driven by the city and business.
