A groundbreaking project to harness the power of the River Mersey for clean energy generation has taken a significant step forward. The proposed Mersey Tidal project, led by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), aims to construct a tidal barrage that could power hundreds of thousands of homes and create thousands of jobs.
The project has garnered significant attention, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing support for the initiative. Initial discussions have also been held with Great British Energy, the government’s new energy company, to explore potential collaborations and accelerate the project’s development.
The LCRCA has recently completed a public consultation, which received over 2,500 responses. The feedback gathered from the consultation will be used to refine the project’s design and environmental impact assessment.
Beyond its potential as a clean energy source, the Mersey Tidal project offers additional benefits. It could facilitate the creation of a new cycling and pedestrian route across the river, enhancing connectivity between Liverpool and Wirral. Additionally, the project could play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with climate change, such as coastal flooding.
The LCRCA is actively working with key stakeholders, including marine users and government departments, to align the project with broader infrastructure plans and development visions for the Mersey region.
The project is expected to reach a key milestone in 2026 with the submission of a planning application, followed by a financial investment decision in 2028.