Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL), a subsidiary of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), announced the commercial operation of its 800 MW Unit-1 on Wednesday — a key milestone in strengthening Jharkhand’s power infrastructure and India’s national energy security. In a statement, PVUNL described the achievement as a major step forward in its mission to enhance the state’s power generation capacity. “This significant milestone marks PVUNL’s commitment to strengthening Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure and contributing to national energy security,” the company said. A.K. Sehgal, Chief Executive Officer of PVUNL, said the plant is equipped with state-of-the-art ultra-supercritical technology, which ensures high efficiency and minimal environmental impact. “The unit features ultra-supercritical parameters for higher efficiency, an air-cooled condenser for reduced water consumption, and a fully dry ash system for complete and productive ash utilisation,” Sehgal noted. He added that Unit-1 underwent extensive testing and stabilisation, demonstrating both reliability and operational efficiency. The commissioning, he said, was made possible through the dedication and hard work of the entire PVUNL team, reflecting the company’s focus on safe, sustainable, and efficient operations. Incorporated in October 2015, PVUNL was formed as an NTPC subsidiary after taking over the assets of the Patratu Thermal Power Station (PTPS) from the Jharkhand Government, paving the way for the construction of a 4,000 MW supercritical thermal power project at Patratu in Ramgarh district, to be developed in two phases. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 May 2018. As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between PVUNL and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), the state of Jharkhand will receive 85 per cent of the power generated by PVUNL. The commissioning of Unit-1 marks a major leap towards energy self-reliance, ensuring a stable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable power supply for Jharkhand and beyond.