Huge new £3.5bn plan to build world’s largest tidal barrage to power UK city

There are plans to build a huge tiday energy scheme in the UK that would be the largest in the world.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority plans to build a tidal barrage on the , linking and the Wirral, to harness renewable energy, combat climate change, and stimulate the local economy.

The barrage is expected to have a 700MW capacity with 28 turbines, sluices, and marine navigation locks. It would cost £3.5b to build.

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “The response to the first phase of the consultation has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that there is strong support for the Mersey Tidal Power project as we explore ways to generate clean, renewable energy for the region.

“While no decisions have been made yet, this is an exciting opportunity for the city region, and we’re determined to ensure that the voices of local people are central to the development of this world-leading project.”

The projects aims to create thousands of jobs, improve flood protection, and introduce new walking and cycling routes connecting the Wirral and Liverpool. 

The consultation phase which ran from October 1 to November 15, 2024, over 3,000 responses, with 84% supporting the development and 92% acknowledging the need for more renewable energy projects in the region.

A total of 76% expressed strong support for the project, while 8% somewhat supported it.

The consultation included 10 drop-in events attended by 1,238 people and an online survey. 

More public consultations are expected to take place in 2025 as the development of the project continues. 

A statutory consultation also aims to take place this year as the project advances towards the development consent order (DCO) application that it needs to move ahead with the process.

While some concerns were raised about potential environmental impacts on local wildlife and disruptions to nearby communities and river users, as well as questions about funding and costs, suggestions for environmental enhancements, such as habitat creation and tree planting, were also offered.

Councillor Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority cabinet member for net zero, said: “We’re confident that the Mersey Tidal Power project, which would be the largest of its kind in the world, has a vital part to play in helping the transition away from fossil fuels to green, renewable electricity.

“But we know that we have to have the support of the public to move ahead with this transformational project and that’s why we’re committed to speaking with and listening to local people as we continue the project’s development.”