The Indian Government has approved plans to double the capacity of solar power to 40GW by the end of the decade.

The Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects will ensure at least 50 projects, each with a capacity of 500MW and above, are developed across the country.

Smaller parks in Himalayan and hilly states where land may be difficult to acquire will also be considered under the scheme.

The government is providing financial support of Rs 8,100 crores (£0.96bn).

India’s solar power capacity has so far surpassed 5GW.

The additional capacity is expected to help reduce 55 million tonnes of CO2 every year.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy states: “It would also contribute to long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reduction in carbon emissions and carbon footprint as well as generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities in solar and allied industries like glass, metals, heavy industrial equipment, etc.”

Last year the World Bank said it would provide more than $1 billion (£0.7bn) to support India’s ambitious solar initiatives.