The proposed Nantucket-Edgartown tidal energy project will receive nearly $600,000 from the federal Department of Energy, Rep. William Delahunt announced last week.

The funding is for an environmental study, coordinated by the University of Massachusetts Marine Renewable Energy Center. The study will be an important step toward initiating permitting for a 1.5 MW Tidal Energy Project in Muskeget Channel east of Martha’s Vineyard, according to the media release from Mr. Delahunt, an opponent of the Cape Wind plan.

Mr. Delahunt said the Islands’ tidal energy project would develop new technologies and provide renewable energy to its residents.

The objective of the study is two-fold: first, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with sediment transport alteration of two established tidal energy technologies — horizontal open-bladed turbines mounted on monopoles and horizontal helical turbines that float from moorings; and second, to collect and analyze information on the occurrence and potential impacts of protected species in the project area.

The project managers and the town of Edgartown will use the information generated to support federal, state and local permit applications associated with the first stage pilot project. The project will start in December and be completed over two years, according to the release.