Looks like a lot of the problem was not lack of UK generation but distribution problems - so they needed something that could inject power directly into the south east - so Belgium was handy.
Agree, it looks as though spare generation WAS available but was not used, presumably due to transmission constraints. Gas fired generation was at about 15 GW all day, and I would have expected that at least 20 GW would have been available.
Shows the value of interconnectors, the price paid was shocking but probably better than letting the lights go out.
I am in favour of more interconnectors, provided that we build enough generating capacity to regularly export significant power to Europe. It is IMHO most unwise to become unduly reliant on regular imports. Interconnectors are vulnerable to faults, to deliberate interference, to political disputes, and to any general European shortage of electricity.
