Rapid population growth and urbanization has multiplied the demand of energy worldwide. Electricity demand is increasing twice as far as overall energy use. In the coming decades, World will need a lot of energy especially clean energy. To answer this demand the World's best scientists are trying to create Miniature sun on the Earth. This is Plasma based fusion reactor that will cost 25 Billion US Dollars. It will be the costliest mega science project on the Earth in the 21st century. India is one of the Seven partners in this Global Collaborations. India has already committed about 17,500 Crore Rupees. In the recent trip to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the joint partnership in the International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). There is need of this project because people have been trying to harness the energy of the Sun since Centuries. Today Solar Energy has become the need of the hour in the aim to achieve Sustainable Development. Scientists have started looking beyond our natural star to generate solar energy. Scientists are working on unique way to generate Solar Energy without Sun by building a Miniature Sun.
What is Miniature Sun Project ?
The scientific name of the project is International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER). In 1988, the ITER project was officially initiated. In 2005, India officially became part of ITER. The construction of ITER Tokamark Complex started in 2013. The construction of facility is expected to be completed by 2025. Initial Plasma experiments are scheduled to begin in 2025. However, bringing the Sun to the Earth is not without its challenges especially managing the massive temperature varient in the reactor but with the World's best Scientists on job, once operational the Miniature Sun may provide the ultimate solution to all our energy needs.
Being termed as new and carbon free energy, ITER is the most ambitious project on the Earth today. Thousands of engineers and scientists from as many as 35 Countries have contributed to its design since its inception back in 1985. 66% work of the project is completed so far with operation expected to start in 2025.
The ITER project is cooperation of 35 Countries represented by Seven main members. They are China, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India and USA. The seven members nations will share the costs of project including construction and operation. They will also share expenses of experiment and intellectual property. The total cost of the project is estimated 25 Billion US Dollars. In this Europe is responsible for 45.6% expenditure.
What is India's Role in Miniature Sun Project ?
India has committed 10% of the Project's cost i.e., 17,500 Crore Rupees. A team of over 100 Indian Scientists is trying to do what was once unthinkable. They are trying to tap Sun's real energy source to give world an unlimited supply of clean energy.
India has also contributed one of the biggest components of the project. That is World's Largest Refrigerator which houses this unique reactor. The refrigerator is weighing around 3800 tones. It was made in Gujarat.
What is Tokamak Reactor ?
It is magnetic fusion device designed to harness fusion energy based on the same principles that powers the Sun and the Stars in the Universe. Inside the Tokamark the Energy produced through fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel just like conventional power plant. The fusion power plant will use the heat to produce steam and electricity by way of Turbines and Generators.
Challenges: There are few challenges in this mega project. Like the meltdown of nuclear reactor, harmful effects on human health and effective disposal of radioactive wastes.
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