Europe news is increasingly being driven by extreme weather, and the latest energy figures show just how fast daily life is changing. As hotter summers become the norm, households across the continent are using far more electricity for cooling, with EU energy consumption for space cooling nearly doubling between 2018 and 2024.
New data highlighted by recent climate and energy reporting shows household cooling demand in the EU rose from 40.5 thousand terajoules in 2018 to 80.4 thousand terajoules in 2024, a jump of 99%. Compared with 2010, the increase is even more dramatic, up 420% from 15.5 thousand terajoules. The trend reflects a continent facing more frequent heatwaves, warmer nights and a growing dependence on air conditioning and other cooling systems.
Europe news: Which countries are using the most energy for cooling?
Italy is the clear leader in absolute cooling energy use, consuming 26.3 thousand terajoules in 2024. That means Italy alone accounts for 32.7% of the EU total. Spain follows with 14.3 thousand terajoules, or 17.8% of the bloc’s cooling demand, while Greece holds the third-largest EU share at 14.8%.
When wider European countries are included, Turkey also stands out with 13.6 thousand terajoules of cooling energy use. The figures underline how southern and southeastern Europe are carrying a growing share of the continent’s summer electricity burden.
Fastest growth rates across Europe
Some of the sharpest percentage increases came from countries that previously used very little cooling energy. That means high growth rates do not always equal high total consumption, but they do show how rapidly cooling is spreading.
- Austria: more than 1,000% increase from 2018 to 2024
- Czechia: 244% increase
- Italy: 193% increase
- Hungary: 171% increase
- Finland: 163% increase
- Spain: 127% increase
- Slovenia: 114% increase
- Greece: 103% increase
France recorded a 52% rise, while Germany saw a relatively modest 8% increase over the same period.
Read more: latest Ireland breaking climate and energy news and best Irish news updates on Europe heatwave and electricity demand.
Cooling now takes a bigger share of household energy use
Across the EU, cooling still represents a relatively small slice of final household energy consumption at 0.84% on average in 2024. But that average hides major national differences.
Cyprus has the highest share, with 16% of household energy consumption going to cooling. Malta follows at 15%, while Albania reaches 13.4%. Greece stands at 7.4%, and the share is also notable in North Macedonia, Montenegro, Spain, Italy and Croatia.
These figures show that in hotter parts of Europe, cooling is no longer a luxury. It is becoming a regular household necessity, especially during prolonged summer heat.
Heatwaves are pushing up electricity demand and prices
This ireland news relevant energy story also matters for consumers because cooling demand is already affecting power markets. During the June 2026 heatwaves, electricity demand rose sharply across Europe’s biggest economies. France saw the biggest surge, with grid operator RTE estimating that every 1°C increase in temperature can add between 0.7 GW and 1 GW of power demand.
Wholesale prices climbed above €200 per megawatt-hour in Germany, approached €160/MWh in France and exceeded €110/MWh in Spain. Rising air-conditioning use was one factor, but supply constraints also played a role, including weak wind output in Germany and temporary reductions in French nuclear generation due to warm river water.
Explore more: in depth Irish lifestyle and sustainability trends in Europe and top ireland news analysis on energy costs for families and homes.
Why this matters for irish news readers
For irish news audiences, the European cooling surge is more than a continental statistic. It signals how climate change is altering energy systems, household bills and infrastructure planning across the region. Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, and the pressure on electricity grids is likely to intensify as summers get hotter.
Governments and households may now need to focus more on energy-efficient buildings, rooftop solar, insulation, shading and smarter cooling technology. The key takeaway from this Europe news story is simple: cooling demand is rising fast, and Europe’s energy system must adapt just as quickly.
FAQs
Why has cooling energy use increased so quickly in Europe?
Higher temperatures, more frequent heatwaves and wider adoption of air conditioning have all pushed cooling demand higher.
Which EU country uses the most energy for cooling?
Italy uses the most, accounting for nearly one-third of the EU total in 2024.
Does higher cooling demand affect electricity prices?
Yes. During heatwaves, stronger electricity demand can contribute to wholesale price spikes, especially when supply is constrained.
