We need an independent commission to scrutinise tidal energy generation in the Mersey Estuary.

The National Energy Systems Operator (NESO)

A planned tidal barrage could soon potentially sever the River Mersey from the sea with very little public scrutiny. It doesn’t have to be that way. Sign our letter asking for greater independence and transparency over the future of the Mersey.

The Liverpool Combined Authority wants build a tidal barrage across the River Mersey. There’s a real risk that such a project could be highly damaging for the environment, severing a vital natural, cultural and economic link that’s been at the heart of our communities for centuries. Questions need to be asked as to whether this really is best for the climate, nature and our community.

We want to see an independent commission established to consider what role tidal energy should play in the future of the Mersey. Such a commission would be independent from any political party or authority and provide us with impartial and transparent advice that has the wider public good at heart.

The Mersey is important to our communities. Its wetlands offer us protection from flooding. Its habitats provide us with natural coastal defences. Its waters and riverbanks serve as important spaces for walking, leisure and seeing its amazing wildlife. The public has a right to be informed of anything that may put this at risk.

There are alternative ways of generating tidal energy to barrages, some of which are likely to be far less damaging. A commission would help determine the best way forward, not just financially but also environmentally and socially.

If you want to see such a commission established, please add your signature to our letter to the National Energy Systems Operator below.

To: The National Energy Systems Operator (NESO)
From: [Your Name]

Dear NESO,

Following the publication of your Strategic Case for Tidal Range report, we (the undersigned) request the establishment of a Mersey Estuary Commission to explore the potential and impacts of tidal range energy generation within the Mersey.

As you will be aware, the Liverpool Combined Authority hopes to build a barrage across the River Mersey. While the climate intentions of the project are laudable, this project is being developed with far less scrutiny than similar proposals for the River Severn.

Your report references the ‘holistic’ approach of the Severn Estuary Commission and its findings that ‘a tidal lagoon would be more optimal than a large barrage, due to negative environmental impacts, legislative barriers and impacts on ports and commercial activities’. We would like to see a similar holistic approach taken for the River Mersey.

Like the Severn, the Mersey Estuary is internationally protected habitat benefitting from both a RAMSAR and SPA designations. No development should take place there without being informed by thorough ecological knowledge. Failing to adequately consider these facts would not only put any tidal range project in jeopardy but undermine our legally binding obligations to nature.

If the Mersey’s tidal potential is to be realised then all considerations must be taken into account, be they financial, technical or environmental. We all want clean, renewable energy so we ask that NESO show leadership in the establishment of this commission so we can arrive at the best impartial and holistic decision for the River Mersey.

Kind regards,

Cheshire Wildlife Trust,

And attached signatories.