The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) nuclear fusion project at Cadarache in the south of France is likely to see Covid-19-related delays and cost overruns, although it is too early to say definitely, a conference heard.

Iter project head Bernard Bigot told the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 28th Fusion Energy Conference there would be a full analysis of the impact of the pandemic when Covid-19 is “over”. He said: “we thought it was over in September, but it started again. We hope to have a clear picture of the impact by the end of the year.

Mr Bigot said work had continued without interruption at the project site and there had been so significant infection. But some Iter members supplying key components were forced to stop work for several months and this meant supply chains had been hit. “When workshops producing key components have to be shut it has an impact, whatever our best efforts,” Mr Bigot said.