July the 17th, 2026 – Croatia has found itself above the EU average as air conditioning use ramps up across Europe amid more frequent, scorching heatwaves.
As Europe experiences increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, electricity consumption from air conditioning is rising rapidly, and Croatia is among the countries where cooling demand is above the European Union average.
Poslovni reports that a brand new analysis showcases that electricity used for air conditioning across the European Union has more than doubled over the past six years, reflecting both rising temperatures and the growing number of homes, offices and businesses installing cooling systems. The trend is expected to continue as climate change drives longer and hotter summers.
For Croatia, the figures are particularly significant. With much of the country experiencing prolonged periods of extreme summer heat, demand for air conditioning has increased faster than the EU average. Coastal tourism, expanding urban development and higher living standards have all contributed to greater use of cooling systems during the hottest months of the year.
While air conditioning improves comfort and helps protect public health during heatwaves, the growing demand is placing additional pressure on electricity grids, particularly during afternoon peak hours when temperatures are highest.
Energy experts warn that the trend highlights the need for more efficient cooling technologies and better-insulated buildings. Improving energy efficiency could reduce electricity consumption while helping households manage rising energy costs.
The increase also presents a challenge for Europe’s broader climate goals. Although renewable energy production continues to grow, higher electricity demand during summer means power systems must be capable of meeting sharp peaks in consumption without increasing emissions.
Croatia has invested heavily in solar energy in recent years, and experts note that solar generation is well suited to meeting daytime cooling demand, as electricity production is typically highest when air conditioning use peaks.
As climate scientists continue to predict hotter summers across southern Europe, cooling is increasingly being viewed not as a luxury but as an essential part of adapting to climate change. The challenge for Croatia and the rest of the EU will be ensuring that growing demand for air conditioning is matched by investments in renewable energy, smarter electricity grids and more energy-efficient buildings.
