§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of UK energy is imported; and what proposals she has to reduce dependence on imported energy. [68186]
§ Mr. WilsonThe UK was a net exporter of energy in 2001. The UK exported 1151/2 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe) of oil and imported 77 mtoe. At the same time, gas exports were 12 mtoe while imports were 21/2 more. The UK was a net importer of coal of 23 mtoe (exporting 1/2 mtoe and importing 231/2 mtoe) and a small net importer of electricity in 2001.
Overall, our gross exports were 128 mtoe and gross imports were 104 mtoe. These gross imports equated to 42 per cent. of the UK's total energy consumption.
There are no plans to limit the import of fuels. The consultation leading to the White Paper is considering all aspects of energy policy including the impact of the UK becoming a greater importer of fuels.