Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
China’s EAST reactor, its ‘Artificial Sun,’ sustained plasma for 1,000 seconds in 2024, breaking its own record of 403 seconds. While global focus remains on China, India too is advancing its fusion research with remarkable achievements.
In the 1980s, India began its fusion research journey with SINP’s Tokamak. Operational since 1987, it gave India its first experience in plasma confinement, a vital step towards mastering nuclear fusion.
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India's first indigenously designed Tokamak, ADITYA, was commissioned in 1989. Recently upgraded to ADITYA-U, it has significantly contributed to India’s expertise in fusion physics and engineering.
India’s SST-1, operational since 2013, is its answer to cutting-edge fusion technology. It creates temperatures 20 times hotter than the Sun’s core, marking India as one of six nations with a superconducting Tokamak.
China’s breakthrough aside, India’s SST-1 achievements secured its entry into ITER, the world’s largest fusion energy project, in 2005. This $25 billion collaboration includes contributions from 35 nations, including India.
India contributes 10% to ITER, fabricating critical components like the 3,850-tonne cryostat. The project aims to create 500 MW of power, putting India at the forefront of global fusion research.
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India is now planning SST-2, a next-gen fusion reactor. Featuring advanced plasma systems, construction is expected to begin in 2027. This project signals India’s ambition to lead in sustainable energy.
Tirtha Chakrabarti, an avid space tracker, notes that SST-2 will incorporate cutting-edge features like biological shielding and an improved divertor, further solidifying India’s position in global fusion research.
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While China continues to push fusion boundaries, India’s sustained progress with SST-1 and ITER proves it is not far behind. The country's advancements are shaping a competitive edge in fusion technology.