About 15 miles before it hits the Irish Sea, the River Mersey flows into a large, banana-shaped estuary with huge mudflats and some of the UK’s largest tides. Then, as it approaches Liverpool, the river narrows again as it squeezes between the city centre and Birkenhead and pours into the ocean. Researchers at the University of Liverpool say this combination of strong tides, a tight bottleneck, and lots of people nearby, means the Mersey is ideally placed for a “tidal barrage” power station, which would turn the tides into electricity.

In theory, the project would power 300,000 or more homes, and a £3.5 billion proposal now has backing from the Labour party and the city’s mayor.

Yet there are problems. Those mudflats are home to lots of interesting birds, for one thing, and it’s hard to predict what messing with the tides will to do local wildlife. And who will pay for it? The government recently cancelled a similar project in Swansea Bay, after all. Amani Becker looks at the prospects for a huge tidal barrage on the River Mersey.

Meanwhile, researchers say they have found signs of happiness in chickens. And if you’ve got that one Facebook friend who really really wants you to know the truth about vaccines, or why climate scientists are frauds, then read this.

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here