A recent report highlights the potential for air conditioning to become a free commodity in Europe's clean energy system. This is made possible by the increasing use of renewable power sources, such as solar and wind energy. The European Union's (EU) focus on transitioning to a clean energy system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
In this scenario, air conditioning would no longer be a luxury, but rather a standard feature in buildings across the continent. This shift would be driven by the EU's commitment to using at least 32% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
According to a report by the Institute for New Energy Systems (INES), the cost of air conditioning will decrease significantly as the share of renewable energy in the energy mix increases. The report states that in a scenario where 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources, the cost of air conditioning could decrease by up to 90%.
This development has significant implications for the UK and its consumers. As the EU transitions to a clean energy system, the UK may need to adapt to new regulations and standards. UK consumers may also benefit from reduced energy costs, as the country becomes increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources.