Project information
About the project
Type of application: Generating Stations
Name of applicant: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
The proposed Mersey Tidal Power Project is a tidal range project that will
harness renewable marine energy and provide reliable and predictable
electricity power generation using the significant height difference in the tides.
The project is based on mature technology (IEA definition) and will use a
turbine array in a barrage-type solution. Tidal Range is identified in National
Policy Statement (NPS) – EN1 as part of the UK future energy technologies.
This will be a first of a kind project in the UK but using technology similar to
that deployed internationally at La Rance, France and Sihwa, South Korea.
the technology is also similar to that prosed as part of the Swansea Tidal
Lagoon – which previously received DCO Consent.
The Project consists of the following main components:
- Power Generation System – up to 1GW output
- Hydro Control System;
- Marine Navigation System;
- Power Export System including onward grid connection to a National
Grid substation
- Onshore operational facilities including maintenance, stores and office
buildings;
- Associated flood protection, rock armour and breakwaters;
- Active travel along the barrage structure connecting to local access
and public realm areas;
- Utilisation of the surrounding port facilities during the construction
phase in addition to other potential associated developments which will
support the construction, operations and maintenance phase.
- Has an operational lifespan of up to 120 years or more;
A range of other ancillary developments and facilities may also be required as
part of the Project including access, utility connections, boundary treatments,
security infrastructure, temporary and permanent laydown areas, hard and soft landscaping, drainage, cables, plant, and equipment. These will be included within the stated design envelope and will be assessed as part of the EIA for the Project.
Project stage
This project is at the pre-application stage.
The application is expected to be submitted July 2026.
When we receive the application, we have 28 days to decide whether to accept it for examination.
If we accept the application, you will then be able to register to have your say and view all the application documents.
Pre-application
In progress
This is where the applicant starts to create their application. The applicant is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. They must also create detailed documents about the impact the project could have on the environment.
It is important to get involved at this stage to influence the application before the applicant sends it to the Planning Inspectorate.
Find out what you can do at this stage and check our detailed guides.
Acceptance
Not started
This is when the applicant sends us their application documents. We check if we can accept the application for examination. We have 28 days to make this decision.
How the acceptance stage works and what happens next.
Pre-examination
Not started
The Examining Authority is appointed and is made up of one or more inspectors. Anyone who wants to have their say needs to register at this stage.
The applicant must publish that the application has been accepted by us. They include when and how parties can register to get involved. The time period for registering is set by the applicant but must be no less than 28 days.
The pre-examination stage usually takes about 3 months.
What happens during the pre-examination stage.
Examination
Not started
The Examining Authority will ask questions about the proposed development. The applicant and anyone who has registered to have their say can get involved and submit comments at each deadline in the timetable. You can also attend hearings that may take place. This stage takes up to 6 months.
What happens at the examination stage?
Recommendation
Not started
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the relevant Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of examination stage.
Making a recommendation.
Decision
Not started
The decision stage is when the relevant Secretary of State then reviews the report and makes the final decision. They have 3 months to make a decision.
Who makes the final decision.
What happens after the decision is made
Not started
Once the Secretary of State has made a decision, challenges can be made to the High Court. All procedures must be followed when making a challenge. The High Court will decide if there are grounds for a judicial review.
This must happen within 6 weeks.
What you can do after the decision has been made.Project location
This will be an in-river proposal, located within the Mersey Riverine environment. The Project will be located towards the mouth of the River Mersey, between the Wirral on the west and Liverpool to the east.
Get updates
Enter your email address to receive:
- updates on project progress
- information on how to have your say
- notifications when key documents are published
Contact us
Telephone
If you have an interested party number, have it with you when you call.
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
Open Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm.
Closed on weekends and bank holidays.
merseytidal@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
When writing an email, quote the name of the project in the subject line.
We aim to respond within 10 working days.
Alternative formats
Call or email to ask for project documents in alternative formats such as PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille.