Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IPP
Context: European researchers at the Joint European Torus (JET) in the UK achieved a significant breakthrough in nuclear fusion, generating a record-breaking 69 megajoules of energy from just 0.2 milligrams of fuel. This achievement marks the largest amount of energy ever produced in a fusion experiment.
Led by the European research consortium EUROfusion, the experiment demonstrates progress in magnetic fusion, a leading approach in fusion research. Despite not achieving a positive energy balance, this milestone contributes to advancing fusion technology for future power plants like ITER and DEMO.
What is JET?
It is a large tokamak, the first device to achieve controlled fusion power using deuterium and tritium.
What are Tokamaks?
They are machines that confine plasma using magnetic fields in a donut shape.
India has been actively involved in nuclear fusion initiatives, including:
- ITER Project Participation: India joined the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in 2005. ITER is a global initiative aimed at constructing the largest tokamak reactor in the world.
- Institute of Plasma Research (IPR): The Institute of Plasma Research (IPR) is an autonomous institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and leads India’s fusion program.
