Inflation and war cause trouble for Iter

But international fusion facility’s new boss says construction is “in full swing” despite challenges

The energy crisis, Russia’s war on Ukraine and the lingering Covid pandemic are all affecting construction of the international nuclear fusion research facility Iter in France, its new boss Pietro Barabaschi has warned.

European countries in particular are experiencing stratospheric energy prices resulting from the war and their sanctions on Russia, although the ramifications are also being felt around the world. Iter’s seven members—China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US—and their contributions to the facility have not been spared.