India may join EU's ITER energy project

India has evinced keen interest in joining the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reaction (ITER) project, an ambitious multi-national project of the European Union (EU) aimed at producing nuclear energy equivalent to that of the sun.

Negotiations have already begun for India's inclusion in the project for building the world's biggest nuclear fusion reactor, a senior EU official told a group of visiting Indian journalists here on condition of anonymity.

"Negotiations for India's inclusion are at extremely sensitive stage," the official said.

The project, estimated to cost 10 billion euro, will produce star power plasma.

India, which has already joined another ambitious EU programme - Galileo navigation project - stands a chance of getting into the multi-lateral ITER project considering its reputation in research and development.

Differences between the EU and Japan over the venue of the reactor has also raised possibility of India's inclusion in the project. The EU wants the reactor to be based at Cadarache in France while Japan wants it in that country. "If the differences persist, EU could consider taking financial help from India, Canada or Switzerland," the official said.

Other countries participating in the programme are the US, Russia, China and South Korea.

- Press Trust of India