How Pranos is working to reduce coal dependency
India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is also home to one of the most significant environmental challenges: dependence on coal. According to the World Bank, India’s coal consumption has increased by 35% since 2000, making it one of the largest consumers of coal worldwide. This has resulted in severe air pollution, climate change, and health issues. However, Bengaluru-based startup Pranos is working to revolutionize the energy landscape by harnessing clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion.
Founded by Shaurya Kaushal and Roshan George, Pranos is leading India’s nuclear fusion research, focusing on magnetic confinement fusion. This technology aims to mimic the process of nuclear fusion that occurs in stars, where atomic nuclei combine to release vast amounts of energy. By replicating this process on Earth, Pranos hopes to generate clean energy without emitting greenhouse gases or nuclear waste.
The Indian government has been actively promoting nuclear power as a key component of its energy mix, with a target of increasing nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031. Pranos’ research and development efforts align with this vision, as the startup works to advance fusion technology and reduce India’s dependence on coal.
The challenges of coal dependency
Coal, the primary source of energy for India’s power generation, has severe environmental and health implications. The burning of coal releases toxic pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, coal mining and transportation contribute to deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.
The consequences of coal dependency are far-reaching and devastating. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution from coal burning causes an estimated 12,000 premature deaths in India each year. Furthermore, India’s reliance on coal hinders its ability to meet its climate change mitigation goals, as fossil fuels are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Pranos’ nuclear fusion research
Pranos’ innovative approach to nuclear fusion involves the use of magnetic confinement to sustain and control the plasma state, where fusion reactions occur. The startup is developing a compact, modular reactor design that can be scaled up or down depending on energy demand.
The Pranos reactor uses a unique combination of magnetic fields and electrical currents to confine and heat the plasma to incredibly high temperatures (150 million degrees Celsius), replicating the conditions found in the core of the sun. This process releases a vast amount of energy, which can be harnessed as electricity.
Advancing fusion technology
Pranos is actively working to overcome the technical challenges associated with nuclear fusion. One of the primary hurdles is achieving and sustaining the high temperatures and pressures required for fusion reactions. The startup is leveraging advanced computational simulations, materials science, and experimental techniques to develop new materials and technologies that can withstand the extreme conditions.
Pranos is also collaborating with research institutions and industry partners to advance fusion technology. The startup has established partnerships with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to accelerate the development of fusion energy.
Supporting India’s Net Zero goal
India has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Pranos’ nuclear fusion research is aligned with this goal, as the clean energy generated by fusion reactors can help reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
The Indian government has recognized the potential of nuclear power to contribute to the country’s energy mix and has been actively promoting the development of new nuclear power plants. Pranos’ research and development efforts support this vision, as the startup works to advance fusion technology and demonstrate its feasibility for commercial deployment.
Conclusion
Pranos is at the forefront of India’s nuclear fusion research, working to harness clean, limitless energy and reduce the country’s dependence on coal. By advancing fusion technology and developing compact, modular reactors, Pranos aims to support India’s Net Zero goal and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, Pranos’ innovative approach to nuclear fusion offers a promising solution. With the support of the Indian government and industry partners, Pranos is poised to play a significant role in India’s energy landscape, driving the country towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/pranos-nuclear-fusion-india/
