Q. 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?

Model Answer:

India’s Contributions to ITER and Global Energy Implications

India’s fusion journey, beginning with ADITYA tokamak (1989) and advancing through SST-1 development, positioned the nation to join ITER as a founding partner in 2005. This 35-nation collaboration in France aims to demonstrate fusion’s feasibility by achieving 500 MW output from 50 MW input.

India’s Key Contributions (9% of construction costs):

ITER-India, a special project of IPR Gandhinagar, manages India’s in-kind procurement deliverables:

• Cryostat Manufacturing: L&T fabricates the world’s largest stainless steel vacuum vessel (30m height/diameter, 3,850 tonnes) providing ultra-cool vacuum environment
• Critical Systems: Cryogenic systems (cooling magnets to -269°C), RF heating systems (plasma heating to 150 million°C), cooling water systems, and in-wall neutron shielding
• Industrial Ecosystem: Major participation from L&T, Inox India, Tata Consulting Engineers; 200 Indian scientists/engineers working on-site
• Technology Access: India gains complete access to all ITER-developed technology, patents, and data

Global Energy Implications:

ITER’s success will revolutionize energy landscapes fundamentally. Abundant fuel availability – deuterium from seawater, tritium from lithium – ensures energy security. Environmental advantages include zero carbon emissions, no long-lived radioactive waste, and meltdown-proof design. Technological spillovers in superconductivity, cryogenics, robotics will benefit multiple sectors. Commercial fusion plants (DEMO) will follow ITER’s validation.

Conclusion:
ITER positions India at fusion energy’s forefront, ensuring clean energy leadership and technological sovereignty.