Formal planning process for UK tidal scheme starts, with public consultations following

Liverpool City Region Mayor has unveiled that the first public consultation for the Mersey Tidal Power project started just days after the formal planning process was initiated. This six-week consultation allows the public and local organizations to review and comment on the project’s early proposals for a tidal barrage across the River Mersey, which aims to generate clean, predictable energy for up to 120 years.

The consultation follows the submission of a scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate, making an important step in agreeing on the necessary ecological surveys. These surveys will inform the Development Control Order (DCO) submission expected in 2026, a process typically spanning two to three years.

The Mersey Tidal Power project, which could power hundreds of thousands of homes, marks a development for the Liverpool City Region. The barrage, positioned between Wirral and Liverpool, is expected to create thousands of jobs during its construction and operation, and provide new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure across the River Mersey. 

Residents have been invited to attend ten public consultation events, starting on October 3 at the Museum of Liverpool, that will run until November 15. According to the Liverpool City Mayor, feedback from the consultation will help shape project proposals and will be considered alongside ongoing engineering design and environmental assessment work.

“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,” said Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

“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.”

The project is a key part of the region’s efforts to be net zero carbon by 2035. Further public consultations are expected in 2025, with refined project proposals to be shared before the DCO application.

It is said that Mersey Tidal Power could add to offshore wind, hydrogen, and solar projects, providing greater domestic energy security.

“We are already leading the way in developing a cleaner and greener economy, with existing wind and solar power capacity and emerging strengths in hydrogen. Harnessing the power of the River Mersey to generate green and predictable energy for more than 100 years would be an incredible addition to our clean energy mix. I would encourage anyone interested in the project to get involved with the consultation and let us know what they think,” said Councillor Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Net Zero.

Liverpool City Region’s Mayor presented the project in March, highlighting that the project could manage environmental issues that are associated with climate change, such as floods.