International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the experimental step between today’s studies of plasma physics and tomorrows electricity producing fusion power plants.

It is based around a hydrogen plasma torus operating at over 100 million degree Celsius and will produce 500 MW of fusion power. It is an international project initiated at a base cost of Rs. 2500 crore, involving Chine, European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and USA under auspices of IAEA. ITER is to be constructed in Europe at Cadarche, France. It is technically read to standard plasma operation is expected in 2016.

December 6, 2005 was marked as an important days for India, as it won the recognition of ITER project and secured admission into the consortium as a full partner to become its seventh member. The unfounded concerns of nuclear proliferation by same members had prevented India’s entry in the past. But with the initiative and support of the EU made the matters easier.

The USA, which had been opposed to India’s participation earlier, also extended its support as part of Indo-USA nuclear agreement. India’s entry in ITER is the recognition of India’s fusion research programme as well as India’s Industrial capabilities relevant to ITER.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

India has also established Industrial capability in fabricating magnets and R&D capability in plasma diagnostics. But ITER mission during interaction with the industry, apparently envinced great interests in India’s heavy engineering capability and information technology.

The ultimate significance of India’s of India’s participation is in the opportunities for Indian scientists and engineers to gain hand-on- experience in a large scale reactor and the consequent leapfrogging in physics and technology of the promoting energy source of the future.

The Indian Union Cabinet has given its approval to participate in ITER by recognizing India’s scientific and technical capability in fusion energy. The Indian cabinet also decided to join this project by considering India’s large energy needs in future and gaining technological capability in fusion energy.