2024-11-14 06:48:00
As of November 13, 2024, France has broken its annual electricity export record established at 77 TWh in 2002, confirmed the main manager of electricity transmission in France, RTE, during the presentation of its prospects for winter 2024-2025.
« We confirm the electricity export record forecast », declared Thomas Veyrenc, member of the RTE Management Board during the presentation of the winter electricity balance outlook for France.
Mid-2024, this already mentioned the possibility of breaking such a record, which stood at 77 terawatt hours (TWh) exported in 2002. As of November 13, the record is already broken, since the volume exported reached 78 TWh, advances RTE.
It could be at 85 TWh at the end of the year, when EDF table even on 90 TWh.
« The precise volume will depend on winter weather conditions », explained Thomas Veyrenc. The net exporter position will also depend on these uncertainties, not in absolute volume, on a day-to-day basis. Unlikely, RTE notes, France could be, on certain days, an importer.
The final result will be given in February, in RTE’s annual report.
France, a historic exporter
Historically, France is the EU’s leading net exporter of electricity, most often supplanting Sweden.
Over the last 44 years, France has only been a net importer of electricityonly once, in 2022when the European energy crisis was accompanied in France by the very low availability of nuclear power plants and low stocks of hydraulic production.
The situation is therefore returning to a form of normality, following an already exporting year 2023.
This record thus shows that “ low carbon production [française tout du moins] is very competitive on European markets », wants to believe Thomas Veyrenc.
Furthermore, ” these exports are not only made when electricity prices are low », continues the expert.
Although the profits from these exports are counted in billions of euros, they are nevertheless “ very far from compensating the costs of importing gas and oil », concludes Thomas Veyrenc.
Certainly, thanks to the reduction in hydrocarbon imports and the increase in electricity exports in particular, the balance of energy materials is positive by 4 billion between the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2024. But over the whole year , it nevertheless remains negative by 13 billion euros, shows the customs figures.
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What are the key factors contributing to France’s record electricity exports this year?
**Interview with Thomas Veyrenc, Member of the RTE Management Board**
**Editor:** Good morning, Thomas. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this significant milestone for France’s electricity export records.
**Thomas Veyrenc:** Good morning, and thank you for having me.
**Editor:** France has officially broken its annual electricity export record, surpassing 77 terawatt hours which was set back in 2002. Can you explain what this new record of 78 terawatt hours means for France’s energy landscape?
**Thomas Veyrenc:** Absolutely. This new record reflects France’s continued commitment to optimizing its electricity production and export capabilities. It underscores not only our effective energy policies but also our ability to leverage renewable sources and nuclear energy, which are key components of our energy mix. This consistent export of electricity strengthens our position as the leading net exporter in the EU and demonstrates our reliability as an energy provider in the region.
**Editor:** It’s impressive to see this growth. You mentioned that the final export volume could reach 85 or even 90 terawatt hours by the end of the year, depending on weather conditions. How do these conditions play a role in electricity exports?
**Thomas Veyrenc:** Weather has a direct impact on energy production and consumption. For instance, cold winters typically increase electricity demand for heating, which can affect our net export levels. Conversely, milder winters may allow us to export more. Our ability to produce electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, can also fluctuate with weather, so the overall balance is quite dynamic.
**Editor:** As you noted, France has traditionally been a net exporter for the past 44 years, but there have been occasions of net importing. How does RTE manage these uncertainties?
**Thomas Veyrenc:** Our approach includes constant monitoring and forecasting of both production and demand. RTE uses advanced modeling tools to anticipate various scenarios throughout the winter. We have robust interconnections with neighboring countries, allowing us to adjust our exports and imports in response to real-time needs. Thus, we strive to ensure a stable electricity supply while maximizing our export opportunities.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what can we expect from RTE’s annual report in February?
**Thomas Veyrenc:** The annual report will provide detailed figures on our electricity export and import activity for the entire year, alongside analyses of the factors that influenced our performance. We’ll offer insights into the effectiveness of our energy policies and outline areas for further improvement. This level of transparency is essential for stakeholders and the public to understand the dynamics of our energy market.
**Editor:** Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your insights. It certainly looks like France is setting the pace in the energy sector.
**Thomas Veyrenc:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for the energy industry, and I’m eager to see how we can continue to innovate and lead in this space.