Two new hydro schemes capable of powering more than 3500 homes have been approved by the government.

The 3.5 megawatt Black Rock scheme, near Evanton in Ross-shire, will supply electricity for more than 2000 homes.

It is proposed by RWE npower, which applied for consent to construct and operate a "run-of-river" hydro electric station on the lower catchment of the River Glass, between Redburn and Evanton.

A run-of-river scheme generates electricity using the elevation and natural flow of a river.

Sixteen representations were received during the course of the consultation, with no objections.

The 2.5 megawatt scheme on Allt Coire Chaorach, near Crianlarich, will power more than 1500 homes. It is planned by Scottish and Southern Energy and is also a run-of-river hydro electric station.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the relevant planning authority, supported the application. No representations were received during the consultation exercise.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Harnessing new hydro power brings economic benefits while reducing emissions, and there is a commercial future in the huge untapped hydro potential up and down Scotland.

"These two schemes are prime examples. Operating in harmony with the environment, they will be able to power more than 3500 homes - a tangible demonstration that new hydro power has a bright future in Scotland.

"We are determined to exploit all of Scotland's diverse renewables potential and we will continue to support sustainable hydro development, large and small, to tackle climate change and contribute to economic growth."

The Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit is processing 32 renewable project applications - 24 wind farms, seven hydro projects and one wave project, with more applications expected.

Since May 2007 the government has determined 22 energy applications, including approval for 16 renewable and one non-renewable project.

In the previous four years 19 projects were determined.

The government's targets are to meet 50% of electricity demand from renewables by 2020 with an interim target of 31% by 2011.

New applications are being dealt with in line with the government's target to come to a decision within nine months where there is no public inquiry.

Total installed capacity of renewables in Scotland is more than three gigawatts and all the potential energy from already consented renewable projects brings the total to 5.5 gigawatts.