India is seeking to classifying large hydropower as renewable projects to help the country meet its green targets.

The New and Renewable Energy Ministry is working on a proposal, which will be sent to the Cabinet, to reclassify large hydropower plants as greens projects, according to reports.

That could make it easier for India achieve its target of adding 175GW of new clean energy capacity by 2022.

It includes 100GW of solar, 60GW of wind, 10GW of biopower and 5GW of small hydropower, which are up to 25MW.

Removing the distinction between small and large hydro projects could help India achieve an installed renewable capacity of 230GW by the same period.

Some countries don’t consider large hydro projects as renewable projects due to environmental concerns.

Power, Coal, Mines and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters: “I have a study carried out by Power Secretary and his team which demonstrates that except four to five countries almost universally in the world, [large] hydropower is considered renewable. We are almost on the verge of finalising that report, which should shortly be taking up to the Cabinet.

“I am not trying to cut corners and now say 175GW will include large hydro and therefore scale down my ambition. When I add large hydro to renewable, I would add that much capacity to renewable energy. I think we will go to 230GW after adding large hydro to renewable energy.”

Renewables will be among the topics to be discussed at Energy Live 2016. Get your tickets here.

There are free limited tickets for energy end users and university students.