Crossword Genius

Minister covering area is a source of power (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reactor

'a source of power' is the definition.

'minister covering area' is the wordplay.
'minister' becomes 'rector' ('rector' can be a synonym of 'minister').
'covering' indicates putting letters inside.
'area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation).
'rector' going around 'a' is 'REACTOR'.

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for reactor that I've seen before include "Nuclear apparatus for producing energy" , "source of power, perhaps" , "nuclear facility" , "Creator (anag.)" , "(Nuclear) powerplant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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