Finland net imports of electricity in 2009 were 15%, so about the same as it is today. They have a lot of hydro power and little reason to stop using it. Countries are ok with risking 15% of their generation from external sources because you can get by on 85% supply with minimal disruptions and you can ramp up supply in the short term.
Solar in the Sahara is an example, but countries already spend a few percent of GDP on safety, being less efficient but more independent is generally an excepted trade-off. Further, Sahara solar > desalination > farming is probably a better use of that space vs transmitting it.
Solar in the Sahara is an example, but countries already spend a few percent of GDP on safety, being less efficient but more independent is generally an excepted trade-off. Further, Sahara solar > desalination > farming is probably a better use of that space vs transmitting it.