The growing need for air conditioning is one of the most critical energy challenges of the 21st century and Cyprus is at the center of this development. The impacts of climate change, combined with rising temperatures, are driving an explosive increase in demand for cooling, with significant consequences for electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Global and European trends
According to statistics from Nature Communications, global use of air conditioning systems could nearly double by 2050. This would lead to a dramatic increase in electricity consumption unless immediate measures are taken to improve energy efficiency and reduce demand.
Similarly, based on a report by Greenpeace Greece, projections show that electricity demand for air conditioning in Europe could increase by up to 83% in the period 2041–2050 compared to 2011 levels, and may reach as high as 248% by the end of the century. These trends are directly linked to changes in “thermal days”: heating days are decreasing, while cooling days are increasing significantly, confirming a shift in energy needs toward cooling.
The particular case of Cyprus
Cyprus is among the countries with the highest need for air conditioning in the European Union. With an average of 577 cooling degree days during the period 1979–2021, the island has consistently shown a strong dependence on cooling systems due to its climate.
Although, according to Eurostat data from 2023, Cyprus ranks 9th in energy consumption for air conditioning in the EU, the sharp rise in temperatures and the long duration of hot periods indicate that demand will continue to grow. This creates increasing pressure on the country’s electricity system, especially during the summer months when consumption peaks.
The Challenge: More cooling with less energy
The key dilemma for Cyprus is clear: how can the growing need for cooling be met without disproportionately increasing energy consumption and emissions?
The answer lies in new technologies and innovative approaches that redefine how cooling is produced.
The contribution of ColteraTREC
In this context, the ColteraTREC research project aims to be part of the solution. The project, which began in May 2025 with European funding, focuses on developing radically new cooling technologies that do not rely on conventional vapor compression cycles, do not use harmful refrigerants, and do not depend on critical raw materials.
The rising demand for air conditioning is a reality that cannot be ignored. Projections show that without intervention, energy consumption will increase dramatically.
ColteraTREC is a research project that started in May 2025 with funding from the European Innovation Council (Project No. 101161366) and is coordinated by Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), with partners including Voltera Bulgaria, DIAS Publishing House, Clausthal University of Technology (TU Clausthal) in Germany, and the University of West Attica in Greece.
Learn more about the project: http://coltera-trec.eu/
Maria Ioannou, Programme Officer, DIAS Media Group
This project is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.
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