Nuclear Fusion Research Enters 'Critical Phase' In France

03:15

August 22, 2013

The foundations for Iter's tokamak — which will contain the hot plasma — have been laid. (BBC)

The world's most ambitious attempt to harness fusion as a source of nuclear power is taking shape in the south of France.

Fusion is the process that drives the sun — atoms are forced together to release energy. Repeating it here on Earth could, in theory, offer an almost endless supply of electricity.

The BBC's David Shukman reports.

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David Shukman, science editor for the BBC. He tweets @davidshukmanbbc.

This segment aired on August 22, 2013.