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UK Electricity Imports Hit Record High Because Imported Electricity Is Cheaper

Feb 01, 2024Leave a message

In 2023, the proportion of imported electricity in the UK will reach 13%, setting a record high. Nathalie Gerl, chief power analyst at LSEG Power Research, commented: "In general, importing cheaper power from abroad helps reduce power costs."

The proportion of imported electricity in the UK will reach 12% in 2021, which was a historical high. The UK will export more electricity than it imports in 2022 as UK exports help fill France's nuclear power generation shortfall.

The surge in imported electricity in 2023 is affected by factors such as the recovery of French nuclear energy production and the strong hydropower generation in Northern Europe. A 1,400-megawatt high-voltage DC submarine power cable connecting the United Kingdom and Denmark will be put into use at the end of 2023, making it more convenient for continental Europe, especially Northern Europe, to import electricity.

Italy is Europe's main electricity importer, with imports accounting for 19% of total consumption of 51.6TWh.

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