Europe, unaccustomed to scorching heat, is experiencing unprecedented demand for air conditioning, a stark contrast to Asian cities where it is ubiquitous in buildings, transport, and homes. Only 20% of European households have air conditioning, according to the International Energy Agency, making them vulnerable to the current heatwaves causing fatalities, power disruptions, and school closures.

Air conditioning in a house in Mauvezin, Gers, France on 25/6. Photo: AFP

Faced with relentless heat and warnings of even higher temperatures, residents and businesses across Europe are rapidly purchasing both portable and fixed air conditioning units.

This surge in demand is significantly boosting Asian manufacturers. Samsung Electronics anticipates stable demand from June onwards, with key markets like Italy, Spain, and France reporting double-digit sales growth in the first half of this year. Similarly, LG Electronics has seen its air conditioner production lines in Korea operating at full capacity since April to meet global and domestic market needs.

China's Midea has also experienced a dramatic increase in demand for its PortaSplit air conditioners, leading to shortages where even used units are fetching prices higher than new ones. The company noted that a heatwave in the last two weeks of May significantly boosted sales, causing some distribution channels to nearly run out of stock. Midea reported a 37% rise in German e-commerce sales in May compared to the same period last year, with exports to Spain and France soaring by 108% year-on-year.

People at the Trocadero fountain near the Eiffel Tower in Paris to cool off on 24/6. Photo: Reuters

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric is another beneficiary, reporting strong air conditioner sales across Europe, particularly in France, Spain, the UK, and Germany, all regions heavily impacted by the heatwave.

Despite the urgent need, installing air conditioning in Europe's older buildings often proves costly and complex, requiring significant time. Midea estimates installation costs can exceed 1,137 USD (approximately 1,000 euros), making it unaffordable for many households. This growing demand comes as the World Meteorological Organization reports that Europe is warming at twice the global average, highlighting a long-term challenge.

By Hoang Lan (Reuters)