An estuary tidal-barrage project is to get underway after an agreement between Natural Energy Wyre and the Duchy of Lancaster. The deal, granting exclusivity rights to build the barrage across the River Wyre, means that the project can now proceed to the funding and planning application stage.

The Wyre Tidal Barrage will be the first tidal-energy power station in the UK to be completed, with an installed capacity of 90MW of electrical energy from a single construction. With a life-span of more than 120 years, the project will provide electricity for tens of thousands of homes.

Natural Energy managing director Bob Long said: “This is a real milestone in the project. It gives us the ‘green light’ to move forward with the next stage in developing a renewable-energy project right here in the North West.”

Graeme Chalk, head of project management for the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “This project reflects the Duchy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the use of renewable energy.

"We look forward to working with the team at Natural Energy Wyre as they take this project forward to deliver the full range of benefits proposed.”