'Billions' needed to harness tidal power on Mersey.

CREATING a barrage on the River Mersey to generate power would cost billions of pounds, the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has admitted.

The news follows the latest study into tidal power that suggest a series of dams on rivers along the western seaboard would greatly increase the UK's renewable energy output.

But the last scheme for the river was axed 20 years ago because it would have cost pounds 1bn, while a scheme currently under consideration on the Severn is estimated to cost pounds 8bn.

Joe Flanagan, NWDA's head of energy said: "The cost is in the realms of how long is a piece of string, but it's fair to say it would run into billions.

However, a barrage is just one of several options that are being looked at.

"Further work will take place this year on what is the best option, and there will also be costings." Ideas looked at so far include enclosed flow turbines which can be used in tidal power gates, lagoons, water wheels or a barrage.

In the latest report, engineers at the University of Liverpool claim that building estuary barrages in the North West could provide more than 5% of the UK's electricity.

The study also showed that four estuary barrages, across the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay and the Mersey and Dee estuaries, could be capable of meeting approximately half of the North West region's electricity needs.

* SEE the May edition of LDP Business magazine for an in-depth look at the River Mersey's tidal potential..