Energy nationalism and interconnectors: the next power threat? | Nils Pratley
The article argues that, while Britain successfully managed a predicted fall in solar power during a solar eclipse, the greater risk to electricity security is growing political tension over cross-border power links. Interconnectors can reduce costs and support grids during periods of low renewable output, but recent heatwaves and emergency restrictions on exports have exposed how quickly national priorities can override regional cooperation.
Britain has seven interconnectors with continental Europe and imports about a tenth of its electricity annually; during a low-wind heatwave day, continental supplies provided a fifth of British demand, including 3.54GW from France. Neso reportedly curtailed exports to the Netherlands in June and limited day-ahead exports on several July hours to protect domestic supply, unsettling neighbouring markets. Norway has already barred new interconnectors after concerns that exports raised domestic prices, and cancelled a proposed 1.4GW link to Scotland in 2023.
- Interconnectors strengthen Britain’s grid but create political dependence.
- Heatwaves have intensified tensions over cross-border electricity flows.
- Norway’s policy shift illustrates rising energy nationalism.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of greater energy self-reliance argue that electricity is a strategic necessity and that a country should retain enough domestic generation, storage and network capacity to withstand geopolitical shocks or abrupt policy changes abroad. They contend that relying heavily on interconnectors can expose consumers to price spikes, export restrictions and decisions made by other governments during shortages. This case prioritises resilience, democratic control and dependable supply, while still allowing limited cross-border trade where it demonstrably strengthens security.
The case against
Supporters of interconnectors argue that shared European grids make supply more secure overall by allowing countries to draw on one another when weather, outages or demand peaks affect a particular system. They say cross-border trading lowers costs, reduces the amount of spare fossil-fuel capacity each country must maintain, and helps integrate variable renewable power by balancing different weather patterns. This case prioritises mutual resilience, efficiency and the view that co-operation is a stronger answer to energy risk than national self-sufficiency.