Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s flagship energy major, is expanding into wind energy in a bid to evolve into an integrated global energy provider.

IOC plans to set up a 50mw wind power project after the success of its first wind farm at Kandla in Gujarat. “We are planning a 50mw project and will invite bids in the next six months,” said B M Bansal, director for planning and business development at IOC.

The company is looking for sites in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Kandla project’s operations and maintenance contract has been awarded to renewable energy firm Suzlon Energy headed by Tulsi Tanti.

“There are 14 wind mills with a capacity of nearly 1.5mw each, aggregating 21mw,” said another company official, requesting anonymity. IOC has invested Rs 130 crore in setting up the windmill farm.

IOC has been exploring and diversifying into alternative energy sources that can be tapped and marketed on a commercial scale. Gas, bio-fuels and hydrogen fuel are also part of the energy portfolio of IOC.

“IOC is committed to inclusive growth and is making steady investments in innovative technologies and solutions for sustainable energy flow and economic growth,” Bansal said.

The project is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the extent of 34,700 metric tonnes per annum. The learning and experience from this pioneering project will help IOC expand its wind energy portfolio