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?

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? (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Approach

Start with fusion energy as a future clean energy source and India’s journey from ADITYA to ITER. Explain phases of India’s programme and highlight major ITER contributions (cryostat, solenoid, heating, diagnostics). Discuss significance for technology, energy security, and global leadership. Conclude by explaining India’s vision through SST-2 and IN-SPARC, positioning itself as a leader in fusion energy.

India’s fusion energy programme, led by the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), has grown from early research in the 1980s to a key global player. Through indigenous projects and major contributions to ITER, India is advancing magnetically confined fusion as a future carbon-free energy source.

Evolution of the fusion energy programme

Phase 1 (1980s–2000s): Foundational Research

- - Plasma Physics Programme launched in 1982 by Institute for Plasma Research (IPR).
  - India’s first tokamak, ADITYA, enabling core plasma studies.

Phase 2 (2005–present): Global Collaboration

- - India joined ITER in 2005 as a full partner.
  - Key contributions: Cryostat, Central Solenoid, RF heating, cooling water systems, and diagnostics, led by ITER-India under IPR.

Phase 3 (Present–Future): Next Steps

- Developing SST-2 (by 2027) and planning IN-SPARC (by 2030) for net energy gain.
- Regulatory reforms recommended to open private and foreign investment in fusion R&D.

India’s contributions to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

India joined ITER as an equal partner and contributed to the project’s cost.
India supplied the massive cryostat, a 30-meter-high and 30-meter-wide chamber that serves as the outer shell enclosing the ITER fusion reactor.
Cryolines & Distribution System: India built the cryolines and distribution boxes that deliver liquid helium to cool ITER’s superconducting magnets to ultra-low temperatures.
In-Wall Shielding: Supplied borated and ferritic steel shielding to protect reactor components from neutron radiation.
Cooling & Heat Rejection Systems (CCWS & HRS): Delivered the cooling water system, including towers and heat exchangers, to remove waste heat from the reactor.
Heating Systems: Contributed components for the Ion-Cyclotron and Electron Cyclotron RF heating systems, essential for raising plasma to fusion conditions.
Central Solenoid: A major Indian contribution, this powerful superconducting magnet generates the central magnetic field to control plasma.

Implications of ITER’s Success for Global Energy

Limitless clean energy: Fusion offers energy security with minimal environmental footprint.
Decarbonisation: Could replace fossil fuels, crucial for meeting Net Zero targets.
Reduced nuclear risks: Unlike fission, fusion has no meltdown risk and produces minimal long-lived radioactive waste.
Resource security: Fusion uses deuterium and tritium, abundantly available in seawater and lithium, ensuring supply stability.
Geopolitical impact: A successful ITER would reshape the global energy order, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel exporting nations.
Boost for India: Enhances scientific capability, industrial growth, and positions India as a stakeholder in future commercial reactors.

Conclusion

India’s contributions to ITER underline its role as a responsible technology partner. If successful, fusion energy could revolutionize the world’s energy system, making it clean, safe, and virtually inexhaustible.