The Economic Regulation Authority has given the nod to Western Power's plans to build Western Australia's largest power line project in the Mid West.
The ERA announced today that the southern section of Western Power's Mid West Energy Project had passed the regulatory test.
The project involves the construction of a 330kV, double circuit powerline from Neerabup to Three Springs in two separate stages.
The first stage will connect Neerabup to Three Springs with a 330kV line to enable connection to Gindalbie Metals' Karara iron ore project.
And the second stage will involve a connection through to Geraldton.
Western Power is currently developing a project proposal for the second stage.
Western Power managing director Doug Aberle said the ERA's endorsement underlined the plan as the most suitable means of powering the Mid West.
"I was pleased the ERA found that we had used reasonable predictions of growth in demand for power and had conducted a suitable consultation process," Mr Aberle said in a statement released today.
"Once constructed this line will unlock mid-west mining and provide a gateway for renewable energy to feed green energy to consumers across the south west.
"This will be one of the most important energy infrastructure projects in Western Australia and will play a crucial role in the future development of the Mid West and Western Australia.
"The Mid West Energy Project will provide the capacity to meet an increasing demand for electricity and facilitate the connection of major developments, such as new mining projects and power generators, to the network."