Context:
Researchers at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gandhinagar have recently proposed a roadmap for India's fusion power plans, aiming to develop a fusion electricity generator called the Steady-state Superconducting Tokamak-Bharat (SST-Bharat).
Key Features of SST-Bharat:
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- Fusion-Fission Hybrid Reactor: Combining the benefits of both fusion and fission, this reactor will produce 130 MW of power, with 30 MW coming from fusion and 100 from fission.
- Superconducting Magnets: Advanced plasma control and superconducting magnets will be used to achieve and sustain high temperatures for fusion reaction.
- Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of tokamak reactors will be used to test new designs and troubleshoot issues, ensuring efficient development of fusion reactor.
- Long-Term Goals: The roadmap aims to develop a full-scale demonstration fusion reactor by 2060, targeting an output-to-input power ratio (Q value) of 20 and a power output of 250 MW.
- Fusion-Fission Hybrid Reactor: Combining the benefits of both fusion and fission, this reactor will produce 130 MW of power, with 30 MW coming from fusion and 100 from fission.
Why Fusion Over Fission?
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- For a long time, fission process was used to make nuclear energy. Fission splits big atoms into smaller ones, which releases energy. Although, fission also creates radioactive waste that stays dangerous for a long time. This waste is hard to store and can cause serious problems.
- Fusion, on the other hand, joins small atoms to make bigger ones and releases even more energy. The biggest advantage of fusion is that it produces much less radioactive waste and therefore it is safer and easier to manage.
- For a long time, fission process was used to make nuclear energy. Fission splits big atoms into smaller ones, which releases energy. Although, fission also creates radioactive waste that stays dangerous for a long time. This waste is hard to store and can cause serious problems.
Nuclear Fission:
Nuclear fission is when a heavy atomic nucleus (like uranium) is hit by neutrons and splits into two or more smaller nuclei. · Energy Release: The smaller nuclei weigh less than the original, and this lost mass turns into a large amount of energy (based on Einstein’s equation E=mc²). · Products: It also releases extra neutrons, which can cause more fission reactions in a chain reaction. · Applications: Fission is the technology used in today’s nuclear power plants to produce electricity. · Challenges: It creates radioactive waste that remains dangerous for a long time and needs careful disposal.
Fusion happens when two light atomic nuclei (like hydrogen isotopes) collide and join to form a heavier nucleus. · Energy Release: Like fission, fusion converts a tiny amount of mass into a huge amount of energy. · Products: Fusion mainly produces helium, an inert and non-radioactive gas. · Applications: Fusion powers the sun and stars, producing their energy naturally. · Challenges: Fusion needs extremely high temperatures and pressure—conditions like those inside stars. Scientists are still working on controlling fusion reactions on Earth for energy. |
Conclusion
While commercial fusion stays uncertain, India’s roadmap lays the foundation for long-term capabilities. Aligning with global efforts, the plan reflects cautious optimism and a strategic vision for the future of Indian energy.
