CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a global initiative aimed at demonstrating the viability of nuclear fusion as a sustainable and clean energy source. Situated in Southern France, ITER is a collaboration of over 30 nations, including India, and is working towards the construction of the world’s largest tokamak a magnetic fusion device designed to emulate the fusion processes that power the Sun. Recently, ITER achieved a significant milestone by completing the advanced pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, which is crucial for enabling the fusion process within the reactor, potentially revolutionizing energy production.
About Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei merge to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This reaction is the fundamental process that powers stars, including the Sun. Fusion has the potential to provide a clean, virtually limitless source of energy with minimal waste, in stark contrast to traditional nuclear fission.
The Tokamak Design
The ITER reactor employs a tokamak design, a doughnut-shaped magnetic confinement device that allows for the containment of plasma—considered the fourth state of matter. At the core of the tokamak lies a complex network of superconducting magnets, which generate powerful magnetic fields to contain and control the high-temperature plasma essential for the fusion process.
Key Components Of ITER
The ITER project includes several critical components. One of the key elements is the pulsed magnet system, which weighs nearly 3,000 tonnes and is vital for initiating and sustaining the plasma. The Central Solenoid, constructed by the United States, generates the necessary magnetic flux for plasma formation. Contributions from other international partners include the Poloidal Field magnets from Russia and Europe and the superconducting Correction Coil magnets from China.
Fuel For Fusion
The main fuels for the ITER fusion process are deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen. These fuels will be introduced into the tokamak, where they will undergo ionization to form plasma. External heating systems will then raise the plasma temperature to an astonishing 150 million degrees Celsius, the conditions necessary to trigger the fusion reaction.
Energy Production Objectives
ITER aims to achieve a tenfold energy gain by producing 500 megawatts of fusion power from just 50 megawatts of input energy. Such a breakthrough would be a monumental achievement, marking the potential for fusion to become a practical alternative to fossil fuels.
International Cooperation
The ITER project stands as a prime example of global collaboration in science and technology. Europe has provided the largest share of funding, while contributions have also come from China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. Despite political changes, this international partnership has endured, underscoring the global commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.
Looking Ahead
ITER is expected to begin its scientific operations in 2034, with deuterium-tritium fusion experiments potentially starting in 2039. The success of ITER could pave the way for commercial fusion power plants, transforming the global energy landscape and offering a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy demands.
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