The project to build two EPR nuclear power plants at Hinkley Point C in the UK risks being late and over-budget as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruption affect on progress at the site, EDF has said.

The risk of delays has increased since an update in January 2021 because of the combination of the pandemic, the UK’s exit from the European Union, lower civil productivity, the Ukrainian conflict and supply chain disruption, the French state-controlled utility said.

That applies “for HPC and for the suppliers of HPC,” EDF chief financial officer Xavier Girre said. “On top of that, the project is impacted by materials shortages and inflation.”

In the January 2021 update EDF said the cost was expected to rise by up to £500m with commercial operation of the first unit delayed by about six months.