(Montel) France’s net power exports reached their highest level since August 2021 of 7 TWh in May amid low demand and increased nuclear production, according to preliminary data from the national TSO RTE.
The country sent out more power than it received from all its European neighbours except for Spain.
France’s total net power exports since the beginning of the year totalled 13.2 TWh, compared to net imports of 1.5 TWh between January and May 2022.
In 2022, France became a net importer for the whole year for the first time in more than 40 years, due to a 33-year low atomic output.
French nuclear output rose by 22% year on year to 25.1 TWh last month, with a 21% higher average available capacity of 36 GW, according to RTE data.
Atomic power accounted for 66% of the total power generation and covered nearly 83% of demand.
Record solar output
Renewable production also increased by nearly 14% year on year to 11.5 TWh, covering 38% of consumption.
Wind power output jumped 72% compared to the same month last year to 3.5 TWh – 11.5% of the total demand – due to windy weather conditions and additional capacities.
In addition, solar generation increased by 6% year on year to 2.4 TWh. It hit a new record high of 12.78 MW on 3 May at 14:00 CET. Hydropower also rose by 3% year on year to 5 TWh, the data showed.
Meanwhile, French power demand dropped 6.2% year on year to 30.3 TWh last month, mainly due to several public holidays.
France’s total net power exports since the beginning of the year totalled 13.2 TWh, compared to net imports of 1.5 TWh between January and May 2022.
In 2022, France became a net importer for the whole year for the first time in more than 40 years, due to a 33-year low atomic output.
French nuclear output rose by 22% year on year to 25.1 TWh last month, with a 21% higher average available capacity of 36 GW, according to RTE data.
Atomic power accounted for 66% of the total power generation and covered nearly 83% of demand.
Record solar output
Renewable production also increased by nearly 14% year on year to 11.5 TWh, covering 38% of consumption.
Wind power output jumped 72% compared to the same month last year to 3.5 TWh – 11.5% of the total demand – due to windy weather conditions and additional capacities.
In addition, solar generation increased by 6% year on year to 2.4 TWh. It hit a new record high of 12.78 MW on 3 May at 14:00 CET. Hydropower also rose by 3% year on year to 5 TWh, the data showed.
Meanwhile, French power demand dropped 6.2% year on year to 30.3 TWh last month, mainly due to several public holidays.
