The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’ 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? (150 Words) UPSC Mains 2025 model answers

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’ 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?

Introduction

Fusion energy, which replicates the process powering the Sun, is considered the holy grail of clean energy—promising abundant, safe, and carbon-free power. India has been actively contributing to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multinational mega-project in France involving 35 nations, including the EU, USA, Russia, Japan, China, South Korea, and India.

 

India’s Contributions to ITER

India, through the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, plays a critical role by providing nearly 9% of the total in-kind contribution:

  1. Cryostat Manufacturing
    • India built the world’s largest cryostat (30 m diameter, 3,850 tonnes) at Larsen & Toubro, Hazira, to keep the reactor core at ultra-cold temperatures.
  2. Power and Cooling Systems
    • Fabrication of cryoline system, cooling water systems, and heat exchangers to handle high thermal loads.
  3. Diagnostics and Instrumentation
    • Development of plasma diagnostic systems for monitoring fusion reactions.
  4. Radio-Frequency and Microwave Systems
    • Contribution to heating and current drive systems essential for sustaining plasma.
  5. Engineering Support and Materials
    • Supply of in-wall shielding blocks, vacuum vessel components, and high-precision equipment.

 

Implications of ITER’s Success for Global Energy

  1. Abundant and Clean Power
    • Fusion could provide virtually limitless energy with negligible greenhouse gas emissions, aiding climate goals.
  2. Energy Security
    • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, diversifying the global energy mix.
  3. Safety Advantage
    • Unlike nuclear fission, fusion has no meltdown risk and produces minimal long-lived radioactive waste.
  4. Technological Spin-offs
    • Advances in superconductors, cryogenics, materials science, and plasma physics will benefit multiple industries.
  5. Geopolitical Impact
    • A clean energy breakthrough could reshape global energy geopolitics, reducing reliance on oil and gas exporters.

 

Conclusion

India’s contributions to ITER highlight its rising role in big science and advanced energy research. If successful, ITER could revolutionize the future of global energy, ushering in an era of sustainable, safe, and secure power, and positioning India as a significant stakeholder in the world’s energy transition.

 Note: This model Answer for Reference Purpose only

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