In a very unlikely move, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation is on the verge of diversifying into wind power generation. According to information available with ProjectsToday, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has shortlisted HPCL and Essar Power for a proposed wind power project in the state.

MEDA has proposed to develop a 50 MW wind farm project as a joint venture, for which expressions of interest were invited in July 2005. While HPCL and Essar Power are amongst the four in the final race, the project might be awarded to HPCL, a highly placed source in MEDA indicated on conditions of anonymity. The final winner will be declared by end-May 2006.

The project will be executed at different locations in Maharashtra -- Sautada (Bid district), Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg), Motha (Amravati) and Chalkewadi (Satara). The project will see investment of Rs.225 crore in a phased manner.

HPCL had first indicated its intention of diversifying into wind power in late 2004 when it planned to develop 100 MW wind farms spread over the country, in two or three phases.

MEDA is Maharashtra's nodal agency for promoting non-conventional energy in Maharashtra. It has successfully implemented wind power projects totaling 456 MW. The 200 MW Vankusavade wind farm in Satara, which is the largest in Asia, is a MEDA-initiated effort.