Chinese scientists are working with the international community to develop nuclear fusion into a green and safe power station.

The project is called “Man-Made Sun” because it’s based on the same principle that powers the sun and other stars: hydrogen fusion producing massive heat energy. It’s much cleaner and safer than traditional nuclear power stations.

“These tasks have never been done before. We have to start from knowing nothing to being capable of producing them,” said Luo Delong, Director of the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center.

The Chinese team delivered a key part to the project: the supporting 20-ton structure for the superconducting magnets. It was delivered for assembly near Marseille, France.

“If there’s a 10-magnitude earthquake, our structure needs to be able to withstand the shock waves,” said Li Pengyuan, head of ITER magnets supporting project.

The project was launched in 2006. Other signatories include the United States, the European Union, Russia, India, Japan and South Korea.

“At first, our Chinese team lagged behind in designing. As we kept learning, we gradually found the flaws in the existing designs and offered better solutions. Now we are a front-runner,” Li said.

According to the plan, the “Man-Made Sun” will be completed by 2025, and commercial uses should be available near 2050.