GS III Mains 2025 PYQ: Fusion Energy Programme in India and ITER Contributions

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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? (250 words)


Introduction

Fusion energy, the process of combining light atomic nuclei to release enormous energy, represents the holy grail of clean and sustainable energy. India has pursued a structured fusion energy programme for decades through Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The focus has been on ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), a global collaboration aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of fusion as a commercial energy source.

India’s Contributions to ITER

  • Tokamak Components: India manufactures high-precision toroidal field coils for ITER at the Larsen & Toubro–BARC consortium, shipped to France.

  • Cryostat System: India is responsible for a large cryostat vessel, enabling superconducting magnets to operate at extremely low temperatures.

  • Steady-State Superconducting Magnet System: India designs, produces, and tests superconducting magnet structures essential for plasma confinement.

  • Auxiliary Systems: Includes diagnostic systems, cooling and vacuum systems, contributed by Indian labs.

  • Human Capital & R&D: India contributes scientists, engineers, and advanced plasma research expertise through IPR and BARC.


Implications of ITER Success

  1. Clean and sustainable energy: Fusion produces no greenhouse gases and minimal long-lived radioactive waste.

  2. Energy security: Offers virtually limitless fuel supply (deuterium from seawater, tritium breeding), reducing dependence on fossil fuels and geopolitically sensitive sources.

  3. Technological leadership: Successful ITER participation positions India as a global leader in plasma physics, superconducting technology, and advanced manufacturing.

  4. Economic and industrial benefits: Innovations in materials, cryogenics, and superconductors can spill over to other sectors.

  5. Global climate goals: Fusion energy can significantly contribute to Net Zero and Paris Agreement targets.

Conclusion

India’s contribution to ITER underscores its scientific capabilities and commitment to global energy transition. Successful demonstration of fusion energy could revolutionize energy security, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation worldwide, positioning India as a key player in the emerging clean energy era.

Additional Facts

  • India’s fusion programme budget: ~₹1000–1500 crore per year for ITER participation.

  • ITER Location: Cadarache, France, with 35+ member countries.

  • India’s tokamak facility: Aditya Tokamak at IPR, Ahmedabad, operational for plasma research.

  • India’s fusion research began in 1960s, first plasma in 1989 (Aditya).

  • Expected ITER experimental operation: 2025–2035 for full plasma demonstration.

  • Fusion energy: 1 gram of deuterium-tritium fuel can produce energy equivalent to ~10 tonnes of coal.

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