Central Solenoid and ITER Project
02.06.2025
Central Solenoid and ITER Project
Context:
Recently, the USA delivered the Central Solenoid ("The Monster Magnet") to France for the ITER project, a global nuclear fusion initiative aimed at replicating the Sun’s energy process on Earth.
About the News:
- USA developed and shipped the Central Solenoid to France.
- ITER is being built in southern France’s Cadarache region.
- It aims to generate 500 MW of fusion power by 2040.
- India is a key partner, contributing to the massive Cryostat structure.
Characteristics:
- Central Solenoid is a superconducting magnet, 60 feet tall.
- It contains six powerful magnetic modules.
- It generates a strong magnetic field inside the Tokamak.
- This field holds high-temperature plasma, preventing wall damage.
- Made with materials that conduct electricity without resistance.
- 35 nations including India, China, and the EU are collaborating.
India’s Contribution to ITER
- India joined the ITER project in 2005 to advance its nuclear fusion capabilities. The Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), under the Department of Atomic Energy, leads this effort and manages India’s tokamaks—ADITYA-U and SST-1.
- ITER-India, a special project under IPR, is responsible for delivering key components to the global project. These include the cryostat, shielding systems, cooling systems, RF heating systems, diagnostic tools, and power supplies. India contributes around 9% of ITER’s total costs.
Why ITER is Important
- ITER is the world’s most advanced fusion experiment. It aims to demonstrate clean, safe energy without greenhouse gas emissions. For the first time, scientists aim to achieve a “burning plasma” with sustained reactions lasting 400–600 seconds.
- The ITER project represents global unity for clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion. With collective effort, innovation, and patience, it may revolutionize future energy systems without the risks of pollution or radiation hazards.