Hefei's Science Island boosts nation's efforts in opening-up, innovation

HEFEI — Surrounded by a huge reservoir and dense vegetation, an islet in Hefei, Anhui province, looks tranquil. Yet it is devoted to something very big, namely nuclear fusion research with the future of humanity in mind.

Science Island is an epitome of innovation and the opening-up of China's science and technology in pursuit of future clean energy, as well as solutions to climate change and health problems, through global cooperation.

"One thing I really like here is, as you can see in the control room, the large number of young people that are involved in the project. This is exactly what fusion needs," said Richard Pitts, leader of the Experiments and Plasma Operation Section of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).