From 2026, a hybrid heat pump will become the standard for heating homes, the cabinet announced on Tuesday. This means that people are obliged to install such a pump when their central heating boiler needs to be replaced. For homes that are not suitable, an electric heat pump or a connection to the heat network is also an option.
With this measure, the government wants to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. “The urgency is great and the pace must be increased. It is also better for everyone’s wallet if we use less natural gas,” says Minister Hugo de Jonge (Wonen). “Together with installers and suppliers, the cabinet wants to make a change.”
Minister Rob Jetten (Climate) adds that more technicians will be trained in the coming years and that the production of heat pumps will be scaled up by 2026.
According to government figures, a heat pump saves 60 percent on natural gas consumption. In homes that are already well insulated, a fully electric heat pump is an even better alternative: it does not use natural gas at all. In cities where heat networks are installed, houses can also be connected to them.
To make the transition as smooth as possible, the government offers a subsidy for the purchase of a pump. This amounts to 30 percent of the purchase price. The government has earmarked 15 million euros per year for this up to and including 2030. In addition, financing is available through the National Heat Fund, with an interest rate of 0 percent for low and middle incomes.
Corporations satisfied with measure
Housing association umbrella organization Aedes says it is an excellent development. According to the umbrella organisation, housing associations are already working on sustainability, but alternatives such as the construction of a heat network take a lot of time. “Then this is a great solution to start using less gas. And in the meantime, innovation can be done for new solutions.”
The spokeswoman cannot say in how many housing association homes there is now a regular central heating boiler. The corporations have agreed to give priority to their houses with the lowest energy labels. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the housing associations jointly owned almost 2.3 million homes last year.