Heatwaves Shift Attitudes on Air Conditioning in the Balkans

As temperatures rise, residents in the Balkans, including Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, are rethinking their stance on air conditioning. Despite concerns over its health impacts, the sweltering heatwaves have forced many to adopt cooling technologies.

The surge in air conditioning use is straining the region's power grids, already compromised by high winter consumption. In mid-July, Kosovo's energy supplier, Kesco, urged customers to limit usage, revealing that the country was importing one million euros' worth of power daily due to increased demand.

The situation is prompting experts to advocate for stronger electric grids and more renewable energy production. Nations such as Bosnia, North Macedonia, and Serbia, which rely on coal, face significant challenges, while Albania, dependent on hydropower, also grapples with summer shortages. The shift towards air conditioning reflects a broader trend driven by unprecedented weather patterns.

(With inputs from agencies.)