Chinese scientists have moved a step closer to being able to run a nuclear reactor without generating a chain reaction, according to South China Morning Post. This development could eliminate the threat of meltdown and allow the safer removal of nuclear waste.

Today’s reactors all depend on chain reactions, but these chain reactions can lead to massive explosions. Reactors also produce a great deal of radioactive waste that can take millions of years to safely biodegrade.

A Chinese team used an external high-energy proton beam to generate and sustain the process of nuclear fission, according to the South China Morning Post. The result is the nuclear fuel stopped burning the moment the beam was cut off, eliminating the risk of chain reaction.