Largest Electricity Importers (Top 115 Countries)

The global electricity trade has become an increasingly vital component of national energy security strategies, with cross-border power flows serving as crucial lifelines for many economies.

In 2022, the energy market volatility was triggered by post-pandemic demand recovery and geopolitical tensions; electricity imports reached record levels in several countries.

The Global Electricity Import Landscape in 2022

2022 saw a dramatic shift in global energy markets, with electricity demand rising 5.4% as economies rebounded from pandemic-related downturns, marking the fastest growth since 2010.

This dramatic increase equivalent to adding an entirely new India to the world’s electricity demand placed enormous pressure on power systems worldwide. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted the energy supply chains particularly across Europe. Many nations were forced to reconfigure their electricity-sourcing strategies rapidly.

Cross-border electricity trade has become increasingly important as global power prices hit record highs amid extreme volatility. For many countries, electricity imports provided a crucial buffer against domestic supply shortfalls, though often at steep economic costs.

Top 20 Electricity Importing Countries in 2022

1. United States: 56.97 billion kWh

Though being an energy superpower, the United States topped the global rankings for electricity imports in 2022 by importing nearly 57 billion kilowatt-hours. This paradoxical situation shows the energy scenario of the United States where regional disparities in generation capacity and seasonal demand fluctuations fuel the necessity of significant cross-border power flows, particularly from Canada.

Interestingly, 2022 also marked a milestone for the United States as it consolidated its position as a net total energy exporter, a status it has maintained since 2019. While the U.S. remained a net crude oil importer, its total energy exports exceeded imports by approximately 7.80 quadrillion British thermal units—the largest annual margin on record.

Facts:

• Largest electricity importer in the world in 2022.
• Imports are mainly from Canada, especially to the northern states.
• Despite high imports, the U.S. is also a major electricity exporter.
• Regional imbalances and cross-border grid connections drive imports.
• Maintains overall energy independence but relies on imports for grid stability.

2. France: 53.26 billion kWh

France experienced an extraordinary reversal in its traditional role as an electricity exporter in 2022. Technical issues affecting its nuclear reactor fleet—the backbone of French electricity generation—forced the country to import a record 53.26 billion kWh. 

This represented a dramatic shift for a nation that had exported 43 TWh annually in 2020 and 2021. With nuclear reactor availability at around just 52% of installed capacity and reaching a critical low of 22 GW (out of 61 GW) in August 2022, France was compelled to rely heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries. France imported electricity valued at approximately $16.75 billion, making it the world’s largest importer by financial value.

Facts:

• Traditionally an exporter, but nuclear outages in 2022 forced record imports.
• Relied heavily on Germany, Spain and Switzerland for power.
• Nuclear energy is France’s main domestic source.
• 2022 marked a rare reversal in France’s electricity trade balance.
• High import costs due to the European energy crisis.

3. Germany: 49.27 billion kWh

The 49.27 billion kWh of electricity import in 2022 of Germany shows the transition from nuclear power toward renewable energy. Electricity imports varied throughout the year, peaking during low renewable generation in winter months.

The electricity imports of Germany amounted to roughly $13.14 billion which makes it the second-largest importer by financial value. The country’s dependence on imported electricity shows the ongoing challenges associated with the Energiewende policy, which aims to phase out nuclear and coal-fired power while building up renewable capacity.

Facts:

• Imports surged after phasing out nuclear and reducing coal use.
• Relies on France, Denmark, and other neighbors for imports.
• Renewable energy intermittency increases import needs.
• Plays a central role in the European electricity trade.
• Imports help balance the grid during low wind or solar output.

 

4. Italy: 47.40 billion kWh

Italy’s heavy reliance on electricity imports reached new heights in 2022, with the country importing 47.40 billion kWh1. A severe drought significantly impacted Italy’s domestic hydropower generation, which decreased dramatically from 31.2 TWh in 2021 to just 13.7 TWh in 2022. In the absence of nuclear power, which Italy had abandoned following a 1987 referendum, the country increased its thermal power generation by 8.4% and relied heavily on electricity imports to meet demand.

Valued at approximately $15.07 billion, Italy’s electricity imports were the third-largest globally by financial value. The country’s high import dependency shows the vulnerability to external energy market disruptions and the increased focus on developing renewable energy capacity, with projections suggesting renewables could account for 69% of Italy’s power capacity mix by 2035.

Facts:

• Highly import-dependent, with no domestic nuclear power.
• Imports are mainly from France, Switzerland, and Austria.
• Droughts in 2022 reduced hydropower, increasing imports.
• One of Europe’s largest electricity importers per capita.
• Thermal generation increased to compensate for low hydro.

5. Thailand: 34.22 billion kWh

In 2022, Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, imported 34.22 billion kWh of electricity to meet its growing energy needs. The country has been actively reforming its electricity market structure by introducing significant policy changes in 2024 which includes establishing direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) that allow private companies to buy up to 2,000 MW directly from renewable energy producers.

Thailand’s ambitious Power Development Plan for 2024-2037 aims for 51% of total electricity generation capacity to come from renewables by 2037 which is a substantial increase from the previous target of 36%.

These reforms may eventually reduce Thailand’s dependency on electricity imports over the coming decades.

Facts:

• Major importers in Southeast Asia are mainly from Laos and Malaysia.
• Rapid economic growth drives rising demand.
• Limited domestic fossil and renewable resources.
• The government aims to diversify energy sources.
• Imports are crucial for industrial and urban centers.

6. Switzerland: 33.02 billion kWh

The crucial electricity trading hub in central Europe, in 2022 Switzerland imported 33.02 billion kWh of electricity. The strategic location of Switzerland allows it to import electricity during periods of low domestic production and export during surplus periods, particularly by leveraging its substantial hydropower resources.

In 2022, Switzerland imported electricity primarily from France ($2.42 billion), Germany ($932 million) and Austria ($646 million). The country’s role in European electricity markets extends beyond meeting domestic needs, as it serves as an important transit country for electricity flows across the continent.

Facts:

• Both imports and exports have large volumes due to the central European location.
• Imports are mainly during winter when hydro output is low.
• Hydropower is the main domestic source.
• Key transit country in European power flows.
• Balances grid with France, Germany, and Italy.

 

7. Austria: 28.60 billion kWh

Austria imported 28.60 billion kWh of electricity in 2022, with a particularly high dependence on imports during the final weeks of the year. According to Austria’s grid operator APG, the country required 1,539 GWh of imported electricity between calendar weeks 49-52 of 2022, despite relatively warm temperatures, due to lower seasonal production from renewable sources.

On December 21, 2022, Austria reached a new historic daily high of 100.5 GWh in electricity imports, followed by another record the next day when the country hit its historically highest 15-minute import capacity of 5,551.6 MW at midnight. These peaks underscore Austria’s seasonal vulnerability to import dependency despite its substantial hydropower resources.

Facts:

• Relies on imports during periods of low hydro production.
• Main partners: Germany, Czechia, Switzerland.
• The high share of renewables, especially hydro.
• Imports help stabilize the grid during seasonal fluctuations.
• Electricity trade is vital for energy security.

 

8. Hungary: 21.59 billion kWh

Hungary imported 21.59 billion kWh of electricity in 2022, making it the eighth-largest importer globally. The country’s high import dependency reflects its limited domestic generation capacity relative to demand. In 2023, Hungary imported electricity worth approximately $3.54 billion primarily from Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Austria and Croatia.

Hungary was both the 23rd largest exporter and the 6th largest importer of electricity in 2023 globally highlighting its significant role in regional electricity trade despite its high net import position. 

This dual role stems from the strategic location of Hungary in Central Europe which allows it to serve as a transit country for electricity flows.

Facts:

• High dependency on imports, especially from Slovakia and Austria.
• Domestic generation is insufficient for peak demand.
• Nuclear and renewables are the main domestic sources.
• The central location makes it a key transit country.
• Imports help meet industrial and residential needs.

9. Finland: 19.83 billion kWh

Finland imported 19.83 billion kWh of electricity in 2022. The country’s electricity imports decreased by 30% from the previous year as imports from Russia ceased in May 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This significant disruption forced Finland to rapidly reconfigure its electricity sourcing strategy.

Despite this challenge, Finland managed to reduce its overall electricity consumption by 6.2% in 2022 which helped offset the drop in imports. Domestic production of emission-free electricity also grew significantly, with wind power generation increasing by 41% and nuclear power by 7% as the new Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant came online.

Facts:

• Imports mainly from Sweden and Russia (until 2022).
• Cold winters drive high electricity demand.
• Nuclear, hydro, and wind are domestic sources.
• Russian imports halted in 2022 due to geopolitical tensions.
• Increased wind power is reducing future import needs.

10. Denmark: 18.80 billion kWh

Denmark imported 18.80 billion kWh of electricity in 2022 and claims as the tenth-largest electricity importer globally. Despite this substantial import volume, Denmark’s net imports actually decreased by 72% compared to 2021, primarily due to increased domestic production coupled with reduced energy usage.

The country’s gross electricity generation reached 35.1 TWh in 2022, representing a 6.4% increase compared to 2021. This growth in domestic generation, combined with a 3.1% decrease in electricity consumption (to 35.5 TWh), helped reduce Denmark’s net import position to 1.4 TWh in 2022. Denmark has been a net electricity importer since 2011, importing primarily from Sweden and Germany.

Facts:

• Imports from Sweden, Norway, and Germany.
• Wind power is a major domestic source but variable.
• Imports stabilize the grid during low wind periods.
• Part of the highly interconnected Nordic power market.
• Net importer despite high renewable share.

11. Netherlands: 18.54 billion kWh

The Netherlands imported 18.54 billion kWh of electricity in 2022. As a net energy importer overall, the country’s total energy imports stood at roughly 63.2 million metric tons of oil equivalent in 2022, though the largest share of these energy imports was accounted for by oil and petroleum products.

The Dutch electricity market has undergone significant changes in recent years as the country works to transition away from natural gas production at the Groningen field while simultaneously expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly offshore wind power.

Facts:

• Imports mainly from Germany and Belgium.
• Transitioning away from domestic gas production.
• High population density increases demand.
• Interconnected with several European grids.
• Imports help balance variable renewable generation.

12. Brazil: 17.89 billion kWh

In 2022, Brazil imported 17.89 billion kWh of electricity, with the financial value falling to $1.4 billion in 2022, a significant decrease from $2.9 billion in 2021, when Brazil faced a severe water shortage crisis that affected its hydropower generation capabilities.

As Latin America’s largest country and an economy heavily reliant on hydropower, Brazil imports electricity primarily from Paraguay, Argentina, and to a lesser extent, Uruguay. These imports help balance the country’s electricity system, particularly during periods of drought that impact its substantial hydroelectric resources.

Facts:

• Imports from Paraguay (Itaipu Dam) and Argentina.
• Hydropower shortages and droughts increase imports.
• The largest electricity market in South America.
• Imports vary year-to-year with rainfall.
• Interconnected with neighboring countries for grid stability.

13. Czechia: 16.73 billion kWh

A total of 16.73 billion kWh of electricity was imported by Czechia in 2022. In the same year the country simultaneously exported a record 30,255 GWh of electricity represents an increase from 26,228 GWh in 2021. It plays a key role in the central European electricity market as both a major importer and exporter.

The strategic location of the Czech Republic between Western and Eastern European power markets, combined with its substantial domestic generation capacity (primarily from coal and nuclear sources) enables it to play a key role in regional electricity trading and transit.

Facts:

• Both imports and exports significant volumes.
• Central European location makes it a power hub.
• Coal and nuclear dominate domestic generation.
• Imports mainly from Germany and Slovakia.
• Exports surplus during low domestic demand periods.

14. Slovakia: 16.71 billion kWh

Slovakia imported 16.71 billion kWh of electricity in 2022. It led Slovakia to a historical maximum before declining to 10.67 billion kWh in 2023. The country’s high import dependency reflects a mismatch between domestic generation capacity and demand.

Slovakia’s monthly electricity production fluctuated throughout 2022-2024 that ranges from lows around 1,695 GWh to recent figures of 2,634 GWh during December 2024. These variations shows the challenges face by Slovakia in balancing domestic production with import needs across different seasons and demands.

Facts:

• Imports from Czechia and Hungary.
• Nuclear and hydro are the main domestic sources.
• Imports fill gaps during peak demand.
• Grid connected to multiple neighbors.
• The energy mix is diversifying with renewables.

15. Belgium: 16.35 billion kWh

In 2022, Belgium imported a total of 16.35 billion kWh of electricity. The following year, the country imported even larger amounts from France, with net imports reaching 12.6 TWh in 2024 due to the high availability of French nuclear power plants. Notably, Belgium imported this electricity not because of domestic shortages but to take advantage of cheaper power from France.

Belgium’s total electricity consumption in 2024 was 80.5 TWh, slightly more than the 78.9 TWh consumed in 2023, with nearly 87% produced domestically and 13.2% imported. For the second consecutive year, Belgium was a net importer of electricity, having previously been a net exporter when French nuclear plants experienced technical issues.

Facts:

• Imports mainly from France and the Netherlands.
• Nuclear plant maintenance increases import reliance.
• High population density and industrial demand.
• Interconnected with the European power grid.
• Transitioning to more renewables in the energy mix.

 

16. United Kingdom: 15.45 billion kWh

The United Kingdom imported 15.45 billion kWh of electricity in 20221. The country’s dependence on imported electricity continued to grow, with imports reaching record levels in 2024—accounting for 20% of the UK’s electricity demand during the second quarter of the year.

During Q2 2024, Britain imported 12.2 TWh while exporting just 3 TWh, spending approximately £250 million each month on imported electricity. This increasing reliance on imports has been attributed to the retirement of conventional power generators like coal and nuclear stations in recent years, coupled with abundant cheap solar power production in continental Europe.

Facts:

• Imports via interconnectors from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
• Closing coal and nuclear plants increases import needs.
• Wind and solar are growing but variable.
• Imports help meet peak demand and stabilize prices.
• Aims to expand interconnector capacity further.

17. Poland: 15.24 billion kWh

Poland imported 15.24 billion kWh of electricity in 20221. The country’s import dependency on energy reached a record 43% in 2021, rising steadily since 2013. However, in 2022, Poland became a net power exporter for the first time since 2015, with exports amounting to 1.68 terawatt-hours.

This shift toward exports can be attributed to lower prices on the Polish wholesale market due to lower costs of producing electricity from renewables and coal compared to natural gas in neighboring countries. Poland primarily imports electricity from Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, and Ukraine while exporting to Czechia and Slovakia.

Facts:

• Imports from Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania.
• Domestic coal is still dominant, but imports fill shortfalls.
• Interconnected with Western and Baltic grids.
• Balances grid with exports to Czechia and Slovakia.
• Increasing renewable share may reduce future imports.

18. Canada: 14.12 billion kWh

Canada imported 14.12 billion kWh of electricity in 20221. However, the country generated 636.2 million megawatt-hours (MWh) domestically in the same year, an increase of 1.3% from the previous year. This substantial domestic production, driven largely by a 3.6% rise in hydroelectric generation, makes Canada a net electricity exporter.

In 2022, total exports of electricity from Canada to the United States increased by 8.3% to approximately 60 million MWh, while imports from the United States increased by 8.5% to about 14 million MWh. Quebec (22.6 million MWh), Ontario (15.7 million MWh), and British Columbia (12.1 million MWh) were the largest exporters to the United States.

Facts:

• Imports mainly from the U.S., despite being a major exporter.
• Regional imbalances drive two-way trade.
• Hydropower is the main domestic source.
• Quebec is both a major importer and exporter.
• Grid integration with the U.S. benefits both countries.

 

19. Norway: 13.26 billion kWh

Norway imported 13.26 billion kWh of electricity in 20221. Despite these substantial imports, the country remains a major net exporter of electricity, exporting $2.84 billion worth of electricity in 2023 while importing $773 million.

Norway’s main export destinations for electricity include the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. The primary import destinations are Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Norway’s strategic role in European electricity markets is reflected by this two-way trade that leverages its substantial hydropower resources to export during high-price periods while importing during favorable price conditions.

Facts:

• Major exporter, but imports from Sweden and Denmark during dry years.
• Hydropower dominates domestic supply.
• Imports balance grid during low hydro output.
• Part of the Nordic power market.
• Exports surplus during wet years.

20. Argentina: 12.91 billion kWh

Argentina rounded out the top 20 with electricity imports of 12.91 billion kWh in 2022, a substantial increase from 6.35 billion kWh in 2021. This figure represented a historical maximum for the country before slightly declining to 11.39 billion kWh in 2023.

The electricity import dependency of Argentina fluctuates based on domestic hydropower conditions, natural gas availability and seasonal demands. The country’s electricity system continues to face challenges related to infrastructure constraints and financial limitations.

Facts:

• Imports from Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
• Hydropower and gas are the main domestic sources.
• Droughts and infrastructure issues increase imports.
• Interconnected with neighboring countries.
• Imports are crucial during peak demand and shortages.

 

Here is the full list of the top electricity importers in the world:

Rank	Countries	Electricity imports, 2022 (in billion kilowatthours)
1	USA	56.97
2	France	53.26
3	Germany	49.27
4	Italy	47.4
5	Thailand	35.47
6	Switzerland	33.02
7	Austria	28.6
8	Hungary	21.59
9	Finland	19.83
10	Denmark	18.8
11	Netherlands	18.54
12	Brazil	17.89
13	Czechia	16.73
14	Slovakia	16.71
15	Belgium	16.35
16	UK	15.45
17	Poland	15.24
18	Canada	14.12
19	Norway	13.26
20	Argentina	12.91
21	Hong Kong SAR	12.35
22	Portugal	12.31
23	Croatia	11.92
24	Lithuania	11.22
25	South Africa	10.76
26	Slovenia	10.2
27	Romania	8.65
28	Montenegro	8.47
29	Mozambique	8.26
30	Serbia	8.24
31	Spain	8.04
32	India	7.84
33	Greece	7.75
34	Bangladesh	7.71
35	Estonia	7.18
36	Luxembourg	7.15
37	China	7.14
38	North Macedonia	7.07
39	Turkey	6.42
40	Sweden	6.18
41	Afghanistan	5.88
42	Latvia	5.31
43	Uzbekistan	4.98
44	Macao	4.87
45	Cambodia	4.8
46	Georgia	4.69
47	Mexico	4.55
48	Ukraine	4.1
49	Belarus	4
50	Bosnia & Herz.	3.83
51	Kazakhstan	3.69
52	Iraq	3.53
53	Vietnam	3.28
54	Albania	3.04
55	Iran	3.02
56	Namibia	2.92
57	Kyrgyzstan	2.81
58	Tunisia	2.73
59	Zimbabwe	2.3
60	Mongolia	2.11
61	Morocco	1.87
62	Nepal	1.83
63	Botswana	1.8
64	Russia	1.57
65	Ireland	1.55
66	Burkina Faso	1.49
67	Guatemala	1.48
68	Bulgaria	1.47
69	DR Congo	1.39
70	Niger	1.16
71	Togo	1.13
72	Nicaragua	1.06
73	Moldova	0.94
74	Swaziland	0.92
75	Sudan	0.88
76	Laos	0.87
77	Mali	0.87
78	Benin	0.83
79	Bhutan	0.83
80	Indonesia	0.8
81	Tajikistan	0.8
82	Libya	0.72
83	El Salvador	0.71
84	Malta	0.65
85	Gabon	0.54
86	Djibouti	0.51
87	Bahrain	0.5
88	UA Emirates	0.5
89	Senegal	0.49
90	Colombia	0.48
91	Ecuador	0.47
92	Pakistan	0.46
93	Lesotho	0.43
94	Mauritania	0.38
95	Kenya	0.32
96	Saudi Arabia	0.31
97	Belize	0.28
98	Jordan	0.26
99	Ivory Coast	0.21
100	Honduras	0.2
101	Egypt	0.19
102	Algeria	0.18
103	Tanzania	0.15
104	Azerbaijan	0.14
105	Armenia	0.12
106	Burundi	0.1
107	Panama	0.07
108	Uruguay	0.06
109	Ghana	0.05
110	Malaysia	0.04
111	Peru	0.04
112	Zambia	0.04
113	Rwanda	0.03
114	R. of Congo	0.02
115	Uganda	0.02

Regional Patterns and Future Outlook

The 2022 was in domination of Europe in global electricity import with 14 of the top 20 importing countries located on the continent. This concentration reflects both Europe’s highly interconnected grid system and the severe energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which forced many countries to reconfigure the sourcing strategies of electricity.

Several key trends will likely shape global electricity import patterns. The ongoing energy transition toward renewable sources will create both challenges and opportunities for cross-border electricity trade.

While increasing renewable penetration may reduce import dependencies in some countries, the intermittent nature of wind and solar generation could also drive greater need for imports during periods of low renewable output.

The mix of clean technologies gaining attention from policymakers and investors is broadening beyond established solar PV and onshore wind to include battery energy storage systems, offshore wind, low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and nuclear power. These diverse approaches to decarbonization will reshape electricity trade patterns in the coming years.

Electricity imports will be vital for energy security, enhancing flexibility and resilience in power systems while supporting the integration of renewable energy.

 

Read More: Energy Consumption from Renewable Sources (Top 69)