A new radar station could be built in the far north of Lewis to measure the strength of waves for potential marine energy schemes.
Data from the equipment would be used to improve forecasting the predictability of the constantly moving ocean for wave or tidal schemes which could export energy off island.
Experts say some of the best wave resources in the world are off the Hebrides.
A planning application has been submitted to Western Isles Council to install the radars at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse for two years.
They would monitor the changing sea state, wave heights as well as the speed and direction of currents up to five miles offshore.
The UHI university project will also use wave buoys and acoustic sensors to collect data below the sea surface.
Plans for radar station to measure wave energy off Lewis
20 September 2015