[3] A Department of the Environment and UKAEA report in 1984 identified a site between New Brighton and Brocklebank Dock for a Mersey barrage.

[4] A 2006 study by Peel Holdings and the North West Development Agency identified the River Mersey as having considerable potential for tidal power.

Although the study provided valuable insight, the preferred scheme was abandoned due to the expected lack of medium-term profitability.

[9] In February 2020, following a year-long feasibility study, a tidal power proposal for the River Mersey was granted £2.5 million in funding to further develop the plan.

[9][17] Following a similar scheme with the Rance Tidal Power Station in Brittany, some marine fauna initially suffered, but a new equilibrium was achieved after ten years.