EU household cooling energy use doubles in six years amid record heat

Eurostat data shows that energy consumption for space cooling in EU households reached 80.4 thousand terajoules (TJ) in 2024, essentially doubling the 40.5 thousand TJ recorded in 2018 [2]. The steepest absolute increases came from Italy (+17,305 TJ), Spain (+8,017 TJ), and France (+3,250 TJ) over the same period. In percentage terms, Austria posted the fastest growth, rising by over 1,000% from 22 to 253 TJ between 2018 and 2024.

The surge in cooling demand coincides with an unprecedented heat spell. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record in 2026 [1]. The trend persisted into August, with some countries enduring a fourth heatwave since May.

Looking ahead, IIR projects that the stock of air conditioners in Europe will double by 2050 [3], as adaptation through cooling becomes increasingly necessary to maintain labour productivity and safeguard human health in a warming climate.

For solutions to reduce energy consumption from air-conditioning systems in residential and industrial settings, see IIR's latest technical brief on Dehumidification in Air Conditioning.

Sources:

[1] WMO, 12 August 2026. https://wmo.int/media/news/record-breaking-heat-and-extreme-weather-continue

[2] Eurostat, 8 July 2026. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260708-1

[3] IIR (2025). The Role of Refrigeration in the Global Economy 3rd edition, 60th IIR Technical Brief on Refrigeration Technologies. International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.TechBrief.04.2025