Q5. 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?
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
ITER aims to demonstrate that fusion, the source of energy for the Sun and the stars, can be used as a safe, sustainable and carbon-free source of power on the Earth. ITER, the world’s largest fusion experiment in France, is a collaborative project of multiple global partners, with India being a prominent contributor.
Contextual framing:
India joined ITER in 2005 as a full partner, marking a shift from domestic plasma research to participation in global mega-science projects. It has been a major contributor in the project via the ITER-India Project under Institute for Plasma Research.
Current-affairs framing:
As India targets net zero by 2070, its role in ITER reflects long-term investment in clean energy beyond solar and wind. Recently, the main magnet system of the world’s largest nuclear fusion project got completed, in which India played a significant role.
Directive Analysis
“Mention” → Provide key, specific contributions by India.
“Implications” → Explain how ITER’s success would influence global energy security, climate goals, and technology.
Body of the Answer
1. India’s Contributions to ITER
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- Cryostat: India built the world’s largest steel cryostat, which encloses the tokamak and enables superconducting conditions.
- Diagnostics and Heating: India is responsible for the Diagnostic Neutral Beam and parts of the plasma heating systems.
- Cooling & Cryogenics: India supplies cryogenic lines and cooling water systems critical for the reactor’s operation.
- In-wall Shielding & Control Systems: Contributions include shielding blocks, power supplies, and software support.
- Human Resource & Industry: Over 200 Indian scientists and engineers are engaged, and Indian industries (like L&T, Tata, Inox India) gained cutting-edge experience.
2. Implications of ITER’s Success
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- Clean and Abundant Energy: Validates fusion as a safe, carbon-free source using deuterium from seawater.
- Climate Mitigation: Supports global transition to net zero and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
- Safer than Fission: Unlike nuclear fission, which produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion produces relatively little waste with a shorter half-life.
- Energy Security: Countries with limited coal/oil can achieve independence.
- Technology Spillovers: Advances in cryogenics, superconductors, robotics, and precision manufacturing.
- Global Cooperation: Collaboration between more than 30 countries demonstrates collective science can address shared challenges.
X-Factor: ITER itself will not produce electricity; it will pave the way for DEMO reactors in the 2040s–50s.
Possible Conclusions
Policy-oriented (India):
Participation in ITER strengthens India’s scientific base and prepares it for future fusion-based power plants. Success in the project can act as testimony to India’s scientific prowess and expertise.
Philosophical:
ITER embodies Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — global science collaborating to harness “star power” for human progress, climate stability, and shared prosperity.
