Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing imports of renewable energy.

In 2023, imports via interconnectors provided 10.2% of gross UK electricity supply, highlighting the key role that they already play. Imports via interconnectors can provide access to lower-cost electricity for GB consumers, reduce the need to dispatch higher carbon domestic generation during peak times, and enhance our security of supply. We expect interconnectors to continue to be an important component of our future decarbonised electricity system.

Ofgem are responsible for taking regulatory decisions for new interconnector projects. Their draft analysis for projects being assessed as part of the current regulatory window can be found at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/interconnectors