Kiwi company OpenStar Technologies has taken a serious step forward in the global race towards nuclear fusion. 

Backed by $35 million in government funding, they’ve successfully levitated a half tonne superconducting magnet, confining a cloud of ultra-hot plasma.  

It’s a key milestone in recreating the same process that powers the sun – ultimately producing carbon-free energy. 

CEO Dr Ratu Mataira told Mike Hosking now they’ve proven the engineering can be done, it’s time to push for performance and see just how hot they can get the plasma. 

He believes they’ll definitely be able to reach nuclear fusion within his lifetime. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.