Future of Energy: ITER and Nuclear Fusion

As the world grapples with the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, nuclear fusion emerges as a beacon of hope. Central to this quest is ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, a monumental project poised to revolutionize energy production. This blog delves into ITER's origins, its significance, and its current status, while also exploring the fundamental concepts of nuclear energy, including fission and fusion.

Understanding Nuclear Energy: Fission vs. Fusion

Nuclear Fission: A concept not completely unfamiliar with most people, involves splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus (such as that of Uranium or Plutonium) into smaller fragments, and in process release a significant amount of energy. The fission reactors have been instrumental in power generation but comes with a drawback, the nuclear waste generated is radioactive and its correct disposal turns out to be a monumental task, compared to setting up the reactor in the first place.

A by-product of this wonderous phenomenon is well documented and a major part of the human history, refer Robert J. Oppenheimer’s – The Manhattan Project

Nuclear Fusion: Well as the name suggests, this process involves two entities to fuse to form a bigger entity. In this case, the entities are smaller atomic nuclei (such as that of Hydrogen or Helium), which upon fusion created a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Fusion is what powers the Sun, the endless supply of clean energy; this is exactly why scientists see potential in harnessing this technology. Who would not want to have access to such a source, that eliminates two major factors that may lead to the ultimate demise of only habitable planet in the solar system -- natural resource depletion and GHG emissions. On top of that, this process promises minimal radioactive waste and, on the basis of calculations, no risk to a nuclear meltdown, making it an absolute for the human desire to birth a clean source of energy.

The Birth of ITER: A Vision for Fusion Energy

The concept of nuclear fusion as a viable energy source has long captivated scientists. However, it was not until the 1980s that serious international efforts began to coalesce around a unified fusion research project. ITER was conceived as a global collaboration to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion power on a commercial scale.

• Founding: The founding partners, EU, Japan and the Soviet Union signed the ITER Agreement, which officially launched the ITER project in the year 1985. The primary goal of the project is to achieve self-sustained fusion reaction, demonstrating the potential of nuclear fusion as a source of sustainable and clean energy.
  
  

• Construction: The facility for this ambitious scientific experiment was set-up in Cadarache, France. The construction began in 2006, with the plan to create a “Tokomak” – a device that creates powerful magnetic field which is essential in confining and controlling the fusion plasma.
  
  

Notable Achievements in Fusion Research

• Magnetic Field Advances: Significant progress has been made in developing superconducting magnets that produce the intense magnetic fields imperative for confinement of plasma. These magnets are crucial for maintaining the high temperatures and pressures needed for fusion.
  
  

• International Collaboration: The ITER is a trademark for the unity of the 35 partnered nations, which underscores the necessity for an immediate action to the clean energy challenge of the future.
  
  

Current Status of ITER

As of 2024, ITER is making strides toward achieving its goals. Here’s a snapshot of the current status:

• Construction and Assembly: The ITER tokamak is in the advanced stages of construction, with major components like the cryostat and superconducting magnets being installed. The facility is gearing up for its first plasma operation, which is a precursor to full-scale fusion experiments.
  
  

• Member Contributions: ITER is a collaborative effort involving the European Union, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. Each member country contributes expertise, technology, and funding. For example:

  • The European Union: The largest contributor, providing substantial financial support and key components such as the vacuum vessel.

  • Japan and South Korea: Focus on supplying superconducting magnets and other advanced technologies.

  • The United States and Russia: Contributing to research and development, as well as providing critical components and expertise.

  • India: India is responsible for the providing the massive cryostat which is responsible for keeping extremely low temperatures required for the operation of the semi-conducting magnets. India is also developing highly advanced remote handling system for the ITER.