The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?
The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?
Fusion energy – the process of fusing light nuclei like hydrogen isotopes to release enormous energy – promises a clean, safe, and virtually limitless source of power.
India has steadily developed its fusion research programme since the 1980s and is now an important partner in the world’s largest fusion experiment: the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France.
India's Contributions to ITER
Membership & Commitment
- India joined ITER in 2005 as a full partner along with the EU, USA, Russia, Japan, China, and South Korea.
- India contributes about 9% of ITER’s construction cost in kind (components, systems, technology).
Major Contributions
- Cryostat Manufacturing: India (through Larsen & Toubro) is building the world’s largest cryostat, a 3,800-tonne stainless steel chamber housing the ITER Tokamak.
- Power Systems: India is providing power supplies for heating, current drive, and magnet systems.
- Cooling and Cryogenics: Development of advanced cryo-distribution systems.
- Diagnostics & Instrumentation: Supplying diagnostic systems, tritium processing technologies, and control systems.
- Materials & Engineering Expertise: Contribution of high-grade steel, precision fabrication, and remote handling technologies.
| Component | Indian Contribution | Global Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cryostat | Complete manufacturing | Houses entire tokamak |
| In-wall Shielding | 4,500 blocks | Radiation protection |
| Cooling Systems | Primary infrastructure | Temperature control |
| RF Heating | 9 MW capacity | Plasma heating |
Industrial Participation and Technology Transfer
- Larsen & Toubro: Cryostat and vacuum vessel manufacturing
- Inox India: Specialized steel components and cryogenic systems
- BHEL: Electrical and control systems
- TCS and HCL: Software development and data management systems
- Technology partnerships enhancing India's precision engineering capabilities
Implications of ITER Success for Global Energy
Revolutionary Energy Paradigm
- Target Q-factor of 10 (500 MW output from 50 MW input) surpassing JET's Q=0.67 record
- Potential for unlimited clean energy using abundant deuterium-tritium fuel
- Zero carbon emissions during operation, addressing climate change concerns
- No radioactive waste with long-term storage issues unlike fission reactors
- Inherent safety with no possibility of runaway reactions or meltdowns
Global Economic and Strategic Transformation
- Energy independence for nations reducing fossil fuel dependency
- Creation of fusion energy industry worth trillions of dollars
- Geopolitical stability through reduced competition for energy resources
- Spin-off technologies in superconductivity, materials science, and cryogenics
- Job creation in high-tech manufacturing and research sectors
ITER's success could usher in a fusion-powered civilization by 2050, fundamentally transforming global energy security. India's strategic participation positions it to benefit from the National Green Hydrogen Mission's complementary goals.
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