Perth-based Aviva Corporation, the Mid West Energy Company and diversified energy solution specialist ERM Power have commenced the joint pre-feasibility study, which will run in conjunction with Aviva’s continuing development work on the Central West Coal resource.

Aviva CEO Lindsay Reed said the partnership was a significant move for the Mid-West region and the greater WA electricity market.

“Going to market with an established energy developer is a major vote of confidence in the relatively low cost economics of the Central West Coal resource,” Reed said.

Aviva has already recovered a bulk sample and has commissioned a combustion testing program, two significant components of pre-feasibility activities.

Meanwhile, ERM has commenced investigations into network connections, power station capital, operating costs and environmental compliance.

Aviva and ERM will work together on baseline environmental surveys relevant to the development of a mine and power station.

Over the last decade, ERM Power has created a 2160MW portfolio of operating, committed and approved electricity generation assets with an estimated enterprise value of more than $2 billion.