WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has proposed a 25 percent cut in research and development funds for one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the Northwest — wave and tidal power.

As the White House sought an 82 percent increase in solar power research funding, a 36 percent increase in wind power funding and a 14 percent increase in geothermal funding, it sought to cut wave and tidal research funding from $40 million to $30 million.

The decision to cut funding for tidal and wave power came only weeks after the Interior Department suggested that wave power could emerge as the leading offshore energy source in the Northwest and at a time when efforts to develop tidal power in Puget Sound are attracting national and international attention.

By some estimates, wave and tidal power could eventually meet 10 percent of the nation's electricity demand, about the same as hydropower currently delivers. Some experts have estimated that if only 0.2 percent of energy in ocean waves could be harnessed, the power produced would be enough to supply the entire world.

In addition to Puget Sound and the Northwest coast, tidal and wave generators have been installed, planned or talked about in Alaska, Hawai'i, New York's East River and off Atlantic City, N.J., though they would not generate much power.

The Europeans are leaders when it comes to tidal and wave energy, with projects considered, planned or installed in Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Ireland and Norway. There have also been discussions about projects in South Korea, the Philippines, India and Canada's Maritime provinces.

The proposed cut, part of the president's budget submitted to Congress, has disappointed Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"Wave and tidal power holds great promise in helping to meet America's long-term energy needs," Murray said, adding that Washington state is a leader in its development. "It's time for the Department of Energy to focus on this potential."

In addition to cutting funds in its budget proposal, Murray's staff said that while $16.8 billion in the recently passed stimulus bill is reserved for renewable energy and energy efficiency, none of it is earmarked for wave and tidal power.

Energy Department spokesman Tom Welch, however, said the Obama administration is asking for 10 times more for tidal and wave power than the Bush administration did.

Utility officials involved in developing tidal energy sources said the administration's approach was shortsighted.

"We need all the tools in the tool belt," said Steve Klein, general manager of the Snohomish County, Wash., Public Utility District. "It's dangerous to anoint certain sources and ignore others."