Global warming is set to force Portugal and other Southern European nations to consume 71% of the EU’s total cooling energy.
A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) warns that rising temperatures will drastically increase the need for air conditioning in Southern Europe. This massive spike in energy demand threatens to undermine Portugal’s significant progress in renewable energy and complicate the EU’s overall climate goals.
Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy are on track to become the primary consumers of energy for cooling buildings across the European Union. According to the EEA report, these four Southern European countries could account for 71% of the EU’s total annual energy used for cooling residential buildings.
The problem stems from the accelerating effects of global warming. Southern Europe faces “increasing risks” from heatwaves, droughts, and water scarcity. These conditions will inevitably drive up the demand for refrigeration and air conditioning to keep homes and offices habitable.
Renewables Leader Faces New Strain
The forecast presents a major challenge to Portugal, which has positioned itself as a leader in the energy transition. In 2023, renewable sources supplied 73% of the energy consumed in the country. This achievement, driven by heavy investment in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, has earned Portugal praise from Brussels as an “example in the forefront” of ecological goals.
The country’s commitment to clean energy was marked by the closure of its coal-fired power plants in 2021, a decisive step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the massive, concentrated demand for cooling energy during summer heatwaves could strain the national grid and complicate the country’s ability to maintain its renewable energy dominance. The need for cooling often peaks when solar power is strongest, but the sheer volume of demand could still require backup from less clean sources or risk blackouts.
EU Climate Goals Are Slipping
While Portugal has made strides, the overall picture for the European Union is less positive. The EEA report acknowledges “significant progress” in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, but warns that the EU is falling behind on its broader climate targets.
The consequences of climate change are accelerating across the continent. Europe is warming faster than the global average, leading to more frequent and prolonged droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, stressed the urgency of the situation. She stated that the EU “cannot afford to reduce climate, environmental, and sustainability ambitions” and that action is required immediately based on scientific evidence.
This warning comes as several sectors, including the automotive industry, and a number of member states are pressuring the European Commission to delay deadlines for meeting climate ambitions. They argue that the current pace of decarbonization is incompatible with maintaining industrial competitiveness.
Why This Matters for Residents
The increased need for cooling directly translates into higher energy bills and potential strain on local infrastructure. For residents in Portugal, this means:
- Higher Costs: Increased reliance on air conditioning will drive up household energy consumption, leading to higher monthly expenses, especially during peak summer months.
- Infrastructure Risk: Extreme heat events combined with high cooling demand increase the risk of localized power outages or brownouts, particularly in older urban areas.
- Policy Shift: The pressure from cooling demand may force the government to adjust energy policies, potentially impacting the cost and availability of renewable energy sources.
Action Layer: Residents should prioritize energy efficiency measures now. Simple steps like installing external shading, improving insulation, and using high-efficiency cooling units can significantly reduce future energy consumption and costs. Check local energy efficiency programs to prepare for higher cooling costs. The long-term trend is clear: heat is the new energy challenge.
Bottom Line / Key Takeaway
Portugal’s success in renewable energy is now threatened by the massive, unavoidable energy demand for cooling caused by global warming. The country must urgently invest in energy efficiency and grid resilience to prevent this new demand from overwhelming its clean energy gains and driving up costs for residents.
FAQ: Understanding the Key Terms
Q: Which European countries will see the largest increase in cooling energy use?
A: Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are projected to consume 71% of the total annual energy used for cooling residential buildings in the EU due to rising temperatures.
Q: How much of Portugal’s energy comes from renewables?
A: In 2023, renewable sources supplied 73% of the energy consumed in Portugal, positioning it as a leader in the energy transition and descarbonization efforts.
Q: What are the main climate risks for Southern Europe?
A: Southern European countries face increasing risks of heatwaves, droughts, and water scarcity, which directly leads to higher energy demand for cooling buildings.
Q: Why is the EU falling behind on its climate goals?
A: The European Environment Agency reports that despite progress, the EU is not meeting its targets, and the nature continues to suffer degradation. Industry pressure to delay deadlines for competitiveness is also a factor.
Source:
RTP. (2025, September 29). Relatório aponta Portugal entre os países europeus que mais consumirá energia para arrefecer
