UK on track to import record levels of electricity

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The UK is predicted to import a record 36TWh of electricity in 2024, beating the previous record set in 2021.

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According to Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) analysis of National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) data, net electricity imports to Great Britain totalled 9TWh in the first quarter of 2024, and 14.95TWh from January through the end of May.

Net imports have accounted for 15 per cent of the UK’s power, putting the nation on track to import nearly 36TWh over the whole year, which is 46 per cent higher than the previous record set in 2021. NIA said this would be higher than the planned output of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (25TWh) and more than the previously planned Wylfa Newydd power station on Anglesey (22TWh).

National Grid operates six interconnectors with French nuclear generated electricity the leading source of imported electricity to the UK. Net electricity imports from France to the UK totalled 12.7TWh last year according to government data, with nuclear making up the bulk of that power. Norway is the second largest exporter of power to the UK, mainly from hydro.

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energy imports