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Electricity: Imports

Asked by Tim RocaLabourDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 108981

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his department has set a benchmark for the proportion of the UK’s electricity supply that should be imported from abroad in the medium to long term; and how electricity imports are factored into energy security planning.

Answered by Michael Shanks

The Capacity Market is our main tool for ensuring security of electricity supply. Each year the National Energy System Operator assesses the capacity required to meet expected peak demand four years ahead. All participating technologies are de-rated to reflect their expected contribution under periods of system stress, with interconnectors de-rated based on expected flows and technical availability. In the longer term, the Government is supportive of additional interconnection where future projects provide system benefits.

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