AS work continues on building the business case required for schemes of national public interest, new studies have revealed how the world’s largest tidal power project on the River Mersey would protect communities and wildlife habitats from flooding.

Detailed analysis of updated Environment Agency flood maps shows how the proposed Mersey Tidal Power project would not only provide enough clean energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes for 120 years but would also protect homes and businesses from rising sea levels.

As a result, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced a major evolution of the project – transforming it from a clean energy scheme into a dual-purpose infrastructure project that will offer flood protection.

The change, which the Combined Authority will be asked to approve at its 23 January meeting, follows detailed studies which show the Mersey estuary faces significant risk from sea level rise. A tidal barrage could play a critical role in mitigating these risks, safeguarding homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure across the Region.

Originally conceived as a renewable energy project to harness tidal power from the River Mersey, the tidal barrage scheme now aims to deliver a dual benefit:- generating up to 1 giga-watt of low-carbon electricity and providing long-term flood protection. This aligns with Liverpool City Region’s Climate Action Plan and resilience strategy.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:- “Mersey Tidal Power has the potential to deliver clean, predictable energy for up to 120 years, create thousands of skilled green jobs and apprenticeships, and cement our place as Britain’s Renewable Energy Coast. But as we further shape these plans, we’re also being honest about the reality we face. Rising sea levels are already changing our coastline, and we must adapt. A tidal barrage on the Mersey could become a major line of defence – protecting homes, businesses and vital infrastructure, while setting a new national example for how we respond to climate change."

He continued:- “The Thames in London already has flood defences, and this is now a consideration for areas the Mersey runs through. Because this is about far more than generating energy – it’s about future-proofing our Region. By building flood protection into its design, we’re tackling two of the defining challenges of our time:- cutting carbon emissions and strengthening our resilience to climate change. Quite simply, the case for tidal power has never been clearer – for our economy, our communities and our planet.”

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Net Zero, added:- "The Mersey Tidal Power Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, affordable energy while protecting our communities from the impacts of climate change. It’s an iconic solution that will benefit our Region for decades to come."

The project, classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project under the Planning Act 2008, is currently in Phase 4 of development, which includes environmental assessments, engineering design, and preparation for a Development Consent Order submission. While the full business case is now expected in 2030, the Combined Authority continues to work with Government and partners to accelerate progress.

With a projected operational life of 120 years, the Mersey Tidal Power Project will help protect against sea level rise of 0.8m to 1.2m by 2150, making it a long-term solution for both clean energy and climate resilience.

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