he demand for energy in Florida -- the fourth most populous state, with an estimated 19 million residents -- is quickly outpacing the capacity to create it, according to experts. Watch how the proposed ocean turbines would work »

"Right now in Florida, we are at the cusp of an energy crisis. Our energy demand keeps growing," said Frederick Driscoll, director of Florida Atlantic University's Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology.

Beginning in the Caribbean and ending in the upper-North Atlantic, the Gulf Stream lies on the eastern shore of Florida.

Its powerful currents have been used by many fishermen, sailors and explorers to expedite their passage in the Atlantic north and east to Europe, but scientists say the energy within its currents could propel Florida out of its potential energy crisis, powering 3 million to 7 million Florida homes -- or supplying the state with one-third of its electricity.

Harnessing the power of the Gulf Stream is no easy task, and a sustainable system has not been implemented. But, this is the beginning of an important study that will 1) provide an analysis of the power of the Gulf Stream; 2) Provide information on how this type of energy production might impact that specific marine environment; 3) provide more information on how to harness this power; 4) Promote the renewable source of water to power without building dams.