The state of Jharkhand will achieve electricity independence in the coming years. Jharkhand will generate profits by selling electricity during peak hours while meeting its own needs by relying on the central reservoir for over 70% of its electricity requirements. This will be feasible with the operation of two electricity production units in the state, namely the Patratu and North Karanpura units.
In the next five years, the state’s electricity demand is projected to increase from its present level of approximately 2,500 megawatts to 3,500 megawatts. Jharkhand will be capable of meeting this demand on its own. Jharkhand has an average daily electricity demand of about 2,500 megawatts. Government-level electricity production is currently limited to approximately 350 megawatts. Both of these plants have a combined capacity of 420 megawatts.
Over seventy per cent of the state’s electricity requirements are met through the purchase of electricity via the national grid agreement. Approximately 900 megawatts of electricity are being purchased by Jharkhand from the Central Pool (NTPC, PGCIL, NHPC). Additionally, approximately 600 megawatts of electricity are acquired daily from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). In addition, the Solar Energy Corporation of India purchases between 100 and 150 megawatts of hydropower, 100 to 300 megawatts of wind energy, and 250 to 450 megawatts of solar energy to maintain a balance between supply and demand.
Additionally, agreements have been reached to procure approximately 150 megawatts of electricity by private production units in the area.
PVUNL’s (Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited) CEO, Ravindra Kumar, says the goal is to commence electricity production of 800 megawatts from the first unit in April 2024. Additionally, the aim is to install two more units with a capacity of 800 megawatts each at six-month intervals.
In addition, K.K. Verma, the Director of Distribution and Project at (Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited) JBVNL, predicts that the state’s electricity demand will increase over the next five years from its present level of 2500 megawatts to approximately 3500 megawatts. The state anticipates that these two facilities will generate 3,900 megawatts of electricity by that time.
The state intends to generate 4,000 megawatts of solar energy within the following five years.
Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited
In two phases, NTPC and PVUNL have jointly entrusted Bihar and Jharkhand with the power generation project to generate 4000 megawatts of electricity. Three units with a combined capacity of 800 megawatts will generate electricity during the initial phase. The initial facility will generate 680 megawatts of electricity for Jharkhand. The state will subsequently receive 85 per cent of the electricity in a phased manner every six months, commencing with the commencement of unit production.
North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant
Here, three units with a combined capacity of 660 megawatts are anticipated to generate 1980 megawatts of electricity. The initial facility will deliver 160 megawatts of electricity to Jharkhand. The subsequent year is anticipated to mark the second unit’s start, generating 160 megawatts. The endeavour will result in the production of 500 megawatts of electricity upon completion. Both viable options are a 100-megawatt solar floating project on the Getalsud Dam in Ranchi and approximately 400 megawatts from Adani Power.
A deadline has been established for the completion of the supply objective roadmap. Both initiatives undergo a review by the Prime Minister every three months. At every level, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is also providing guidance. A 400 kV Tenughat GIS was charged and made ready just a day earlier.
