India is making significant progress in nuclear fusion technology which is popularly known as “Artificial Sun “technology. But is India really making an artificial sun? Let’s discuss about the science behind this technology and its impact on energy sector in future.

 What is India’s Artificial Sun? 

India is not creating an actual sun. Artificial sun is a popular term used for nuclear fusion experiments. Nuclear fusion is the process that provides energy to Sun and other stars. The goal of scientists is to recreate this process on earth in controlled conditions so that huge amount of energy can be generated with its help.

 How does Nuclear Fusion works?

In fusion lightweight atomic nuclei is combined at extremely high temperatures. Usually, the isotopes of hydrogen like deuterium and tritium are used to create fusion reaction. When these nuclei fuse a large amount of energy is released along with helium and neutron. The core temperature of sun is around 15 million Earth does not have a massive gravitational pressure like sun that’s why during fusion experiments we need to heat the plasma at about 100 million C.

 Why is India Focused on Fusion Energy?

The electricity demand in India is growing rapidly. It is important for the country to develop clean and reliable energy sources in the long-term. India is involved in fusion research for decades and is also partner in international ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project. India is working on plasma physics, reactor components and related technologies as part of this project.

 Has India Already Created an Artificial Sun?

No, India has not created any miniature sun yet. “Artificial Sun” is only a phrase used to describe fusion research. Scientists are still facing challenges in efficiently controlling and sustaining the fusion.

 Why is Fusion Energy Important?

If commercial fusion power is successfully developed it can have a huge impact on the energy sector.

The potential of Fusion is:

  • Generating large amount of energy
  • Very low operational carbon emissions
  • Use of abundant fuel sources
  • Improving long-term energy security

But challenges like reactor material, plasma stability, extreme temperatures and cost are the major hurdles.

 What does it mean for India’s Energy future?

The research for India’s “Artificial sun” is going on in Gandhinagar, Gujarat at SST-1(Steady State Superconducting Tokamak) facility at Institute of Plasma Research (IPR).

Commercial fusion is still future technology, but if scientists successfully solve this challenge, then fusion energy can transform energy future of not only India but the whole world.

 Sources:

India Today — Recent India “Artificial Sun” development

ITER — India’s contributions to fusion research

IPR – SST-1 Tokamak Research

ITER — India as an ITER Member