The study will start in the spring with a view to reporting its findings at next year's Conference. It will examine how new initiatives will contribute to economic and sustainable energy generation while respecting the coastal environment. A brief is currently being prepared with a view to appointing independent consultants.

Through its division, Peel Environmental Ltd, the Peel Group is already committed to wind farm development in England and Scotland. The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, which recently became part of the Peel Group, already operates six wind turbines at the mouth of the Mersey and was last month given planning approval for more turbines further upriver.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA said, 'The NWDA is pleased to support this important study that will look at the Mersey Estuary for sustainable energy opportunities.

It is vital that we work to promote renewable energy and energy efficient solutions in order to meet national and regional targets in this area. As climate change moves up the political agenda, the Northwest is demonstrating its commitment and leading the way for the rest of the United Kingdom'.

Peel Environmental already has experience of using water power to generate electricity through small scale hydroelectric schemes located within locks on the Manchester Ship Canal.

Its development manager, Richard Brewster added, 'We are firmly committed to a renewable energy agenda. I believe that marine renewable holds great potential and will emerge as a key element in the provision of a well balanced renewable energy portfolio, both corporately and at the national level.'

MJ Information No: 21508