The Scottish Government has granted permission to RWE Npower Renewables to build a hydroelectric power plant near Kylestrome in Scotland.

The power station, with a generating capacity of 4.5MW, will generate enough power to serve 2,500 homes in the country.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said that this is another hydro development, following in Scotland’s long and proud tradition, that generates green energy from our vast water resources. This scheme will create a good number of construction jobs in a remote location and provide lasting community benefits.

RWE Npower submitted an application for consent for the hydroelectric generating station at the site in June 2009.

The country has a target of achieving 80% of its power demand from renewables by 2020.

In 2009, Scotland derived 27% of its power from alternative energy sources.