Liverpool City Region leaders have approved a plan to advance proposals for what could become the world's largest tidal power scheme in the River Mersey. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has agreed to move forward with the project, which would span a 1.5-mile stretch of the river covering both the Liverpool and Wirral banks.
The area between Bromborough in Wirral and Otterspool in Liverpool has been identified as the preferred development zone for the scheme. The project can now progress to the next phase of engineering, environmental and commercial development work towards a future Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
Next Steps and Public Engagement
No construction work will take place until a DCO is granted and a final investment decision is made. Plans are being prepared for a second public engagement in late 2027 or early 2028, giving communities an opportunity to have their say and shape the proposals.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said this would ensure "all the detailed work" would be put together for the scheme as the business case was being created. He noted that a fraction of the cost had been spent compared with other projects in the UK.
Funding Model and Potential Impact
A new financial business model has also been agreed for the project. A Regulated Asset Base (RAB) funding model is a way of paying for large infrastructure projects, such as nuclear power stations, water networks or major transport schemes.
The Mersey Tidal Power Project, if built, is planned to be the largest tidal range power plant in the world, generating up to 1 gigawatt of clean, green electricity for 120 years. The Combined Authority says it would create thousands of jobs in its construction and operation and position the Liverpool City Region as the "UK's epicentre for tidal manufacturing and associated supply chains."
