In fusion technology large quantities of energy is released when lighter nuclei combines to form a heavier element. Most fusion experiments use hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium and tritium. Deuterium is found in high concentrations in sea water and according to an estimate, one litter of it produces 30 mg of deuterium which could produce energy equivalent to 300 litters of oil.
The production of deuterium from sea water involves separation of it from heavy water. The heavy water is subjected to electrolysis to yield deuterium. While tritium is rarely found on its own in nature and therefore it usually produced in nuclear reactors by the action of neutron on lithium. But the fact is that this fusion reaction requires extremely high temperature of over 100 million degree Celsius- similar to those found at the core of the Sun.
Moreover this fusion reaction must be controlled and sustained over a long period of time for its commercial exploitation. This is achieved by heating the hydrogen isotopes and creating plasma that must be confined in a doughnut shaped device called a tokamak.
To understand the viability of fusion technology, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Project. It is the experimental step between today’s studies of plasma physics and tomorrow’s 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.
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It is technically ready to start and first plasma operation is expected in 2016. ITER is being constructed at Cadarche France. On December 6, 2005 India also won the recognition of ITER project and secured admission into the consortium as a full partner to become its seventh member. India’s entry in ITER is the recognition of India’s fusion reaction research programme as well as India’s industrial capabilities relevant to ITER.