The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, abbreviated as ITER, recently made the headlines with its commencement of the ITER Tokamak assembly. This significant event was hosted virtually by the French President at Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France with all member countries participating either in person or through remote mode.
Significance of the Event
The launching of this assembly is seen as an important advancement in the field of science. The participation of scientists from around the world in the project was highlighted by India as the embodiment of the ancient Indian belief ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, translated to mean ‘The World is One Family’.
India’s Contribution to ITER
India has played a substantial role in contributing to ITER through providing critical components such as the cryostat, cryogenic and cryo-distribution systems, auxiliary heating devices, multi-megawatt power supplies, etc. The cryostat, which is used to maintain extremely low temperatures, was manufactured by Larsen and Tourbo from India. It is the largest stainless-steel high-vacuum pressure chamber ever built.
Funding and Cost Sharing for ITER
The European Union is the primary financier of the project, covering 45.6% of the construction costs. The remaining expenses are shouldered equally by India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the USA, each contributing 9.1%.
Understanding Nuclear Reactions in ITER
In the context of ITER, it’s important to comprehend nuclear reactions which involve transformation of one nuclide into another upon collision between two nuclei or a nucleus with an external subatomic particle. Broadly speaking, these reactions can be categorized into nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
Nuclear Fission: Splitting Atomic Nucleus
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two smaller fragments. This can occur naturally or be induced in a lab. The fragments produced are lighter than the original nucleus and the missing mass gets converted into nuclear energy.
Nuclear Fusion: Combining Lighter Nuclei
Nuclear fusion involves the fusing of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier one. This is the main source of energy in the Sun and stars, requiring extreme conditions – millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure. Nuclear fusion reactions also power the hydrogen bomb.
The Foundation and Aims of ITER
ITER, established in 1985 by a collaboration of 35 nations, is headquartered in France. Its mission is to construct the world’s largest tokamak to establish fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free power source.
Working Principle of ITER
Inspired by the Sun and stars, the ITER project leverages fusion, where atoms fuse to produce heat energy. This heat is absorbed in the walls of the tokamak vessel and used to generate steam for electricity production akin to a conventional power plant.
Significance and Participation in ITER
ITER is set to be the first fusion device sustaining fusion for extended periods. It aims to test technologies, materials, and physics regimes needed for commercial fusion-based electricity production. The member countries include China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States who share costs, results, and intellectual property according to the ITER Agreement (2006).