Mersey tidal scheme takes a major step forward

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has today announced that the formal planning process has begun for what would be the world’s largest tidal power scheme.

He also announced a six week public consultation on the scheme which will begin on October 1st.

Over the last three years, the authority has undertaken early technical work to develop the potential scope of the scheme, which could be up and running within a decade, playing a huge role in the region’s push to be net zero carbon by 2040 – at least a decade ahead of national targets.

The barrage scheme would be the first of its kind in the UK and could generate clean, predictable energy for 120 years and create thousands of jobs in its construction and operation.

A barrage traps water at high tide and releases it at low tide when it passes thought turbines which capture the energy.

The Mersey Tidal barrage would be the largest tidal range scheme in the world, the ‘range’ being the difference in height between the high tide and the low tide.

The design also incorporates a first-ever cycling and pedestrian route over the river between Liverpool and Wirral and could also provide a defence against future flooding risks associated with climate change.

A lagoon option was also considered but it was determined that a barrage would be less expensive, requiring less material and lower levels of government support.

Steve Rotheram said: ‘The Mersey Tidal Project is one of the most challenging schemes to deliver due to the environmental, ecological and economic considerations, but it’s potential to generate clean, green and predictable energy would be worth all the effort we are putting into this planning stage.

‘The River Mersey has been the lifeblood of our region’s fortunes for centuries, and today marks another important milestone in its future. With the launch of our first public consultation and the start of the formal planning process, Mersey Tidal Power is moving closer to reality than at any stage in our history.

‘This project has the potential to power hundreds of thousands of homes with renewable energy for 120 years while creating thousands of green jobs. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cement our position as Britain’s Renewable Energy Coast and help lead the global charge to net zero. This is about much more than just an energy generation scheme—it’s a chance to build a lasting legacy for our people and our planet.’