International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) aims to harness fusion energy. Recently, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the ITER facility in France, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit brought into light the progress of ITER, especially the assembly of the world’s largest tokamak. This initiative is crucial for demonstrating fusion as a viable, carbon-free energy source.

What Is ITER?

• ITER is an international collaborative project focused on building the largest magnetic fusion device globally.
• It aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale energy source.
• The project is based on the same principles that power the sun.
• Since its inception in 1985, thousands of scientists and engineers have worked on its design.

About Tokamak

• A tokamak is a device designed to confine plasma using magnetic fields.
• Inside, the walls absorb energy from the fusion of atoms.
• This energy can generate heat, which is then converted into electricity, similar to conventional power plants.
• ITER’s tokamak is expected to begin deuterium-tritium fusion reactions by 2039.

Significance of ITER

• Fusion energy can produce vast amounts of energy from minimal raw materials like deuterium and tritium.
• Moreover, it generates zero emissions, addressing climate change concerns. ITER’s success is anticipated to lead to practical fusion power plants.

How Will ITER Work?

The primary goal of ITER is to demonstrate burning plasmas. These are plasmas where the energy produced by fusion reactions can sustain their temperature. ITER will also explore technologies necessary for future fusion reactors, including tritium breeding concepts.

Global Collaboration in ITER

• The project involves 33 nations, including seven key members – China, the European Union, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States.
• These nations have been collaborating for decades to develop and operate the ITER experimental device.
• Their collective aim is to advance fusion technology to the point of designing a demonstration reactor.

India’s Role in ITER

• India has been contributor to the ITER project for over two decades.
• Approximately 200 Indian scientists and various industry players, including major companies like L&T and TCS, are actively involved.
• Modi’s visit marks a historic moment, being the first by a Head of State to the ITER facility.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2025

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs