Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun and the stars, is often touted as the ‘holy grail’ of energy. It promises to provide clean, abundant, and sustainable power for the future. However, achieving nuclear fusion on Earth is a daunting challenge that requires overcoming immense technical and scientific hurdles.
One of the countries that is making significant progress in this field is India. India is part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global collaboration of 35 nations that aims to build the world’s largest and most advanced fusion reactor in France¹. India is contributing to various aspects of the project, such as providing the largest cryostat, a device that maintains ultra-low temperatures for the fusion reaction².
India is also developing its own fusion reactor, called the Steady State Tokamak (SST-1), at the Institute for Plasma Research in Gujarat. SST-1 is designed to produce and sustain plasma, the hot and ionized gas that is essential for fusion, for long durations. SST-1 has achieved plasma currents of up to 75 kiloamperes and plasma durations of up to 1,000 seconds.
India’s fusion research is not only driven by the quest for energy, but also by the potential for scientific and technological innovation. Fusion research involves cutting-edge disciplines such as plasma physics, materials science, engineering, and computer science. India’s fusion scientists and engineers are collaborating with international peers and developing indigenous capabilities in these fields.
India’s fusion research is also inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. India hosts the Asian Fusion School, an annual event that provides training and exposure to young researchers from Asia and beyond. India also participates in the Fusion Energy Conference, a biennial event that showcases the latest developments and achievements in fusion research.
India’s fusion research is a testament to its vision and ambition for a better future. India is not only following the global trend, but also leading the way in nuclear fusion research.
