France again exports power to its European neighbors
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A mild winter, increased wind power production and multiple reactor restarts have made France a net exporter of electricity for the first time in months.
Despite the threat of blackouts due to the energy crisis, there were no blackouts in France this winter.
Reactor restarts, mild winters and favorable winds mean France exports more electricity to its European neighbors than it imports.
“Not only the weather, but also energy drinking and economic activity are reducing consumption. RTEsSaid france information.
“After January 1, the net electricity export balance will be 1.4 TWh,” adds RTE.
This is equivalent to the electricity consumed by 450,000 households in one year.
nuclear shortage
When nuclear power France has been a net importer of electricity for most of the year (except February, May and the end of December) for the first time in 42 years.
France was historically Europe’s largest electricity exporter, but had to import electricity from Spain, Germany and the UK to avoid blackouts.
Under pressure from the government EDF has been working to bring 14 reactors back into service since November 1st.
With 44 of its 56 reactors reconnected, the availability of nuclear power in France reached 73.7%, the highest level since February 2022, according to EDF figures.
However, nuclear park availability should “decrease again from February” and the RTE at the end of December noted that six reactors should be shut down in 2023 due to corrosion work.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230112-france-exports-electricity-to-its-european-neighbours-again France again exports power to its European neighbors