A GIANT water wheel could be used to harness the power of the Mersey to generate electricity.
A pilot project for a wheel has been proposed and could begin as early as next April.
The possible project was revealed following a year-long study by a team of experts led by Professor Peter Guthrie, professor of engineering for sustainable development at Cambridge University.
The study, by consultants Buro Happold, has been co-sponsored by Peel Holdings, owners of the Ship Canal, and the North West Development Agency.
The scientists found that the Mersey is one of the UK's best sources of marine renewable energy because of its powerful currents and a tidal range of eight to 10 metres which could be used to produce significant amounts of renewable energy.
Following their investigation they have announced that a giant modern version of a water wheel of at least 30m in diameter is an option, but added that the use of turbines was also being looked at.
Should the study lead to a large scale project on the river, it would be the biggest of its kind in the UK and would bring in dozens of jobs and a large amount of investment to the region.
Announcing the team's interim findings at the Mersey Basin Campaign annual conference, Professor Guthrie said: 'We have been searching for a way to generate renewable energy on the river that would bring jobs and investment but do no harm to its valuable wildlife sanctuaries and have no impact on shipping.
'The environment, shipping and regeneration have been integral to this study from the outset. Any scheme would have to bring benefits to local people and the local economy, but we must also respect the Mersey Estuary's importance for wildlife such as wading birds.
'One option being considered is a modern twist on an idea that has been in use for thousands of years - a water wheel.
'Water wheels produce less energy than marine current turbines, but they are robust and require low maintenance and would be ideal for this site.'
