Jharkhand marked a significant achievement in the power sector with the launch of the second 800 MW unit at the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL). This move not only makes the state self-sufficient in power but also elevates it to the status of surplus power states. The new unit will allocate 85% of its generated power, approximately 680 MW, to Jharkhand.
The first 800 MW unit, operational since November 2025, already supplies 680 MW to the state. With both units now online, Jharkhand’s total power supply from the Patratu project reaches 1,360 MW. Jharkhand’s current electricity demand averages around 3,000 MW, while the total availability, including the Patratu units and other sources, stands at about 3,885 MW, leaving the state with a surplus of nearly 600 MW.
Experts suggest that the surplus power can be sold during off-peak hours, potentially generating additional revenue for the state. The PVUNL, a joint venture between NTPC and the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), aims to develop a total generation capacity of 4,000 MW. The project, utilizing advanced supercritical technology, focuses on environmental sustainability with features like air-cooled condensers and a dry ash handling system.
