The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project-International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

ITER seeks to demonstrate sustained deuterium-tritium fusion and scientific feasibility of fusion power.

India’s contribution

• India joined ITER as a full partner through the Institute for Plasma Research.
• It supplies cryostat components, in-wall shielding, cooling-water systems, cryogenic and power systems, diagnostics and other high-precision hardware.
• Indian scientists contribute to plasma physics, superconducting magnet and fusion-engineering research.

Global energy implications

• Fusion could provide dispatchable, low-carbon energy using abundant deuterium and lithium-derived tritium.
• It may reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen long-term energy security.
• Its success would accelerate materials, superconductivity and plasma technologies.
• Commercialisation will still require solutions for cost, neutron damage, tritium breeding, waste and grid integration.

Keywords: plasma, deuterium-tritium, tokamak, superconducting magnets, net energy.