Ambitious plans to construct the world’s most extensive tidal power project on the River Mersey have progressed significantly. Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram today announced the commencement of a public consultation and the submission of a formal planning application. The project aims to harness renewable energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes for the next 120 years.
Metro Mayor Rotheram has advocated for the construction of a tidal barrage since assuming office in 2017. The proposed infrastructure, spanning from Liverpool to Wirral, aims to capture clean, reliable energy from the river, which will benefit future generations. Project leaders are optimistic that the energy produced could power numerous homes for over a century and create thousands of jobs.
A six-week public consultation on the scheme is set to begin on October 1, offering local residents and organisations an opportunity to express their opinions on the initial proposals. The Scoping Report, submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, outlines the necessary ecological surveys preceding a planning application in 2026. This marks the initial phase towards preparing a Development Control Order (DCO) submission, a process typically spanning two to three years.
Mayor Rotheram acknowledged the complexity of the Mersey Tidal Project, which encompasses significant environmental, ecological, and economic considerations. Nevertheless, he stressed the immense potential of the project to generate consistent, green energy. The River Mersey, historically vital to the region’s prosperity, stands poised to play a crucial role in its sustainable future. “This project has the potential to power hundreds of thousands of homes with renewable energy for 120 years while creating thousands of green jobs,” stated Mayor Rotheram. “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.”
The forthcoming public consultation events, beginning next week, will offer residents in the vicinity of the proposed project an opportunity to engage with the project team and provide feedback. These events will be instrumental in shaping the project proposals, aligning them with community needs and ongoing engineering and environmental assessments.
The Mersey Tidal Power project is expected to dominate discussions at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool next week. Additionally, the project aims to establish the first cycling and pedestrian route over the river between Liverpool and Wirral, potentially offering flood defence mechanisms against climate change risks.
Over the past three years, preliminary technical work has been conducted to ascertain the project’s scope, with an operational timeline projected within the next ten years. The initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in the region’s objective to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035. The Mersey Tidal Power scheme will complement existing offshore wind, hydrogen, and solar projects, further enhancing the city’s energy security and transforming the region into the UK’s Renewable Energy Coast.
Further feedback opportunities will be available as the project progresses. A subsequent round of statutory consultation is scheduled for 2025, wherein refined proposals will be presented for public commentary.
The Mersey Tidal Power project underscores the Liverpool City Region’s commitment to a sustainable and renewable energy future. With the potential to provide long-term energy solutions and significant economic benefits, the initiative represents a pivotal step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.