Greece's cooling energy demand doubles in seven years amid European heatwave

Eurostat data show that household electricity consumption for cooling across the EU rose from 40.4 thousand terajoules in 2018 to 80.4 thousand terajoules in 2024, reflecting a near‑doubling of demand as heatwaves intensify. Greece recorded the third‑highest absolute consumption in the bloc, climbing from 5.86 thousand terajoules in 2018 to 11.9 thousand terajoules in 2024, and now accounts for 7.4 % of total household energy use – well above the EU averages of 2.3 % (Italy) and 2.5 % (Spain). The surge in air‑conditioner operation has pushed wholesale electricity prices upward; the Greek market clearing price reached €120.01 /MWh on 9 July, up 1.9 % from the previous day, with a daily peak of €223.18 /MWh. These trends underscore growing pressure on European power grids and markets as prolonged high temperatures drive stronger, season‑long demand for cooling.