There has been a breakthrough in the development of practical nuclear fusion, as scientists bring the world one step closer to a low-carbon and low-radiation energy source

Nuclear fusion is the same energy process used by stars and, if harnessed, has the power to supply the earth with virtually unlimited and carbon-free energy.

Based in the UK, the Jet laboratory has broken its own record for the amount of power it can extract through squeezing two forms of hydrogen together.

The breakthrough comes after years of development, with this output more than doubling what was achieved by the same lab in 1997.

While the current energy generated is only enough to power 60 kettles, it validates the decision to build a large-scale fusion reactor in France.

The research facility is supported by a number of world governments, including EU member states, the US, China and Russia.

Unlike traditional nuclear power, nuclear fusion produces no greenhouse gases and only very small amounts of short-lived radioactive waste.