The first 685 MW unit of GMR Chhattisgarh Energy (GCEL) 1370 MW supercritical coal-based thermal power plant at Raikheda in Chhattisgarh's Raipur District has successfully achieved synchronization with the grid on Oct. 2, 2014.

GCEL is the GMR Group’s first supercritical coal-based thermal power plant. The unit used fuel oil to achieve this first synchronization. The project has been implemented on multiple packages concept by Doosan of Korea. Work on commissioning GCEL's second unit of 685 MW is in progress.

Since 2013, the GMR Group has commissioned two coal-based thermal power plants-the 2x300 MW GMR's EMCO Energy at Warora in Maharashtra and three units of the 4x350 MW GMR Kamalanga Energy at Kamlalanga in Odisha.

The GMR group had signed the MoU with the Government of Chhattisgarh for the power plant in 2008 and received Environment Clearance and Consent to Establish in 2011. Besides Chhattisgarh, GCEL will cater to the power needs of various states in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, G.M. Rao, group chairman of the GMR Group said, ''The GCEL plant incorporates advanced supercritical technologies that optimize fuel and water usage and support our commitment to environmental sustainability. GCEL is also making substantial efforts so that the quality of life of individuals residing in neighboring communities is enriched by its educational, health care, livelihood and grassroots infrastructure development focused CSR interventions.'' 

Shares of the company gained Rs 0.4, or 2.25%, to trade at Rs 18.20. The total volume of shares traded was 683,475 at the BSE (10.20 a.m., Tuesday).