India And Russia In Talks To Develop “World’s Most Powerful Fusion Reactor”

Technology News ,India Russia :-  In a bid to strengthen their strategic partnership, India and Russia are engaged in discussions to broaden collaboration beyond nuclear energy. The CEO of Russia's state-run atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, AE Likhacheva, highlights the potential areas of cooperation, including research on controlled thermonuclear fusion, the joint development of the Northern Sea Route, and the ongoing collaboration in building the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. This article delves into the multifaceted collaboration between the two nations, exploring opportunities in scientific research, energy strategies, and environmental sustainability.

Cooperation in Nuclear Technologies:

The cornerstone of India-Russia collaboration lies in nuclear technologies, with a focus on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP). Likhacheva emphasizes the substantial experience gained during the construction of KNPP's initial units, indicating a robust foundation for further cooperation. Beyond India's borders, Indian companies are actively participating in Rosatom's project to construct the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, highlighting the international scope of their collaboration.

Rosatom is keen on expanding its range of activities, with approximately 80 new areas under development. Likhacheva extends an offer to share Rosatom's competencies, particularly in constructing low-power nuclear plants. Furthermore, the CEO emphasizes the potential for joint scientific research, particularly in the realm of controlled thermonuclear fusion. To facilitate this, Rosatom is prepared to grant Indian scientists access to the MBIR multi-purpose fast neutron research reactor in Russia, expected to be the most powerful of its kind globally.

Joint Development of the Northern Sea Route:

In addition to nuclear cooperation, Russia and India are exploring opportunities for joint development of the transit potential of the Northern Sea Route, operated by Rosatom. This collaboration aims to facilitate the shipment of Russian oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas to India through the Northern Sea Route, utilizing Russian Far Eastern ports for transshipment. Discussions also involve participation in the Euro-Asian Container Transit project, envisioning a pilot line for international container transit through the Northern Sea Route. The diverse areas for cooperation reflect the commitment of both nations to bolstering their strategic partnership.

India's Energy Strategy and Goals:

Turning to India's long-term energy strategy, Likhacheva outlines Rosatom's plan to achieve a cumulative installed capacity share of non-fossil fuel energy sources around 50% by 2030, ultimately striving for net-zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear energy is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals. India currently ranks second globally in the number of nuclear power units under simultaneous construction, with the KNPP serving as a flagship project of Indo-Russian cooperation.

Likhacheva underscores the environmental benefits of the KNPP, noting that operating its first two units has already prevented over 47 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. The ongoing construction of additional units signifies a commitment to expanding India's nuclear energy capacity. Rosatom has already delivered a new type of fuel assemblies, TVS-2M, to KNPP, with plans to enhance economic efficiency through longer fuel cycles. Nuclear energy emerges as a cornerstone in India's fight against climate change, offering undeniable advantages in terms of cost, longevity, and efficiency.

Advantages of Nuclear Energy:

The Rosatom CEO highlights the distinctive advantage of nuclear energy—the cost-effectiveness that comes with an extended service life of up to 80 years. Despite higher initial construction costs, the long-term benefits, including a constant decrease in the cost of electricity production, position nuclear energy as one of the most affordable and efficient electricity generation methods. The global demand for Russian-designed nuclear power plants further validates the effectiveness and compliance of Russian nuclear power units with modern requirements.

The collaboration between India and Russia transcends conventional boundaries, encompassing nuclear technologies, scientific research, and strategic transit projects. As both nations continue to explore new avenues of cooperation, their partnership is poised to make significant contributions to global energy sustainability, scientific advancements, and environmental protection. The shared vision of a strategic alliance reflects the commitment of India and Russia to a prosperous and mutually beneficial future.