Spain, once a major electricity exporter to France, now finds itself importing more power than it sends across the Pyrenees. Data from Electric Network shows that in 2024, Spain imported 8,780 GWh of electricity from France while exporting just 6,676 GWh—a dramatic drop from two years ago when exports reached twice this figure.
The shift marks a significant change in the energy dynamics between the two nations.
The driving force behind this reversal is France’s low-cost nuclear energy, which has made it Europe’s leading electricity exporter. French atomic energy now powers not only Spain but also other major economies like Germany and Italy. This contrasts sharply with 2022, when Spain, buoyed by its gas price cap, exported a record 13,379 GWh to France—a level it hasn’t matched since.
Despite the negative trade balance with France, Spain remains a net electricity exporter overall, thanks to its robust renewable energy sector. In 2024, Spain’s total electricity imports amounted to 9,633 GWh. Yet it managed to send significant amounts to its neighbors, with Portugal receiving 8,968 GWh and Morocco importing 2,561 GWh. Smaller volumes went to Andorra, which acquired 208 GWh.
Portugal’s reliance on Spanish electricity was particularly notable, with over 15% of its power consumption coming from Spain. In total, Spain exported more than 13 TWh to Portugal while importing 3,787 GWh in return. Meanwhile, only 8.5% of the electricity flowing through the Morocco-Spain interconnection came back to Spain, with the rest powering the Maghreb region.
Globally, Spain exchanged electricity with a 63% export to 37% import ratio, underscoring its continued role as a key player in international energy trade. Despite France’s resurgence as a nuclear powerhouse, Spain’s reliance on renewable energy has kept it competitive, maintaining its status as a vital contributor to Europe’s electricity market.
