A hydro scheme that can power 1,600 homes has been approved by the Government.

The 3 Megawatt Cia-Aig scheme, near Achnacarry in Inverness-shire, will employ up to 20 people during construction and provide local community benefits.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "The Cia-Aig scheme is another good example of Scotland's potential for smaller hydro schemes which generate green energy and cut emissions. The scheme will provide up to 20 low carbon jobs during construction and the developer will provide a community fund for long lasting benefits for the area. Viable hydro schemes that make the best use of our natural resources have a future in a low carbon Scotland."

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In September 2009, RWE Npower Renewables Ltd, applied for consent to construct and operate a hydroelectric generating station at Cia-Aig, near Achnacarry with a generating capacity of 3 MW.

The Highland Council and SEPA supported the application subject to conditions. No public representations were received.

The Scottish Government's target is to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020. In 2008, 22 per cent of electricity demand came from renewables. There is around 7 Gigawatts (GW) of renewables capacity installed, under construction or consented around Scotland, which will take Scotland beyond the interim target of 31 per cent of Scotland's electricity demand from renewables by 2011.

(GK)