Details of the proposed Mersey Tidal Barrage have been released by Liverpool Combined Authority. It would be the largest engineering project in the north west.
Details of the proposed Mersey Tidal Barrage have been released by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). The scheme would be the largest engineering project in the north west, and would help the region to achieve decarbonise targets and provide energy security according to the authors of the proposal.
New Civil Engineer reports that the barrage across the estuary of the River Mersey could have a capacity of 700MW. This would comprise 28 turbines providing 25MW capacity each, alongside a system of sluices and locks. It would take advantage of the natural 10m height difference in the tides of Liverpool Bay to produce electricity.
The document said: “Mersey Tidal will predictably contribute on a daily basis to improve UK energy security vulnerability to reduce the reliance on imported energy and geopolitical forces.”
“As a reliable and local solution, Mersey Tidal can reduce price volatility and provide generation close to the urban demand of Liverpool City Region, without the need for new long-distance transmission, providing the electricity to charge our Electric Vehicles and heat our homes, without the risk of curtailment.”
The proposal does not include any affordability assessments, but any such scheme is likely to cost in the region of billions. It is estimated that the barrage would take until 2040 to become fully operational, but it could have a working lifespan of up to 120 years.
LCRCA have already commenced the process of searching for design and engineering partners for the scheme, and are reportedly in talks with the Korean hydro engineering firm K-Water. It is understood that LCRCA are also asking for the plans to be included in the UK Energy Strategy as part of the government commitment to renewable energy.
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