India is an important member of the âInternational Thermonuclear Experimental Reactorâ. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
[amp_mcq option1=âIt can use thorium in place of uranium for power generationâ option2=âIt can attain a global role in satellite navigationâ option3=âIt can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generationâ option4=âIt can build fusion reactors for power generationâ correct=âoption4âł]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS â 2016
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a project aimed at demonstrating the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power on an industrial scale. Fusion is the process that powers the sun, where atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy. If ITER succeeds, it would pave the way for building commercial fusion power plants. For India, as a member of ITER, the immediate advantage would be the acquired knowledge and technology enabling it to build its own fusion reactors for power generation.
ITER is a global collaborative project to build the worldâs largest tokamak fusion device and prove the potential of fusion as a sustainable energy source.