The Dutch government offers subsidies to install hybrid heat pumps

Government in the Netherlands has announced plans to ban fossil fuel boilers and make hybrid heat pumps the standard for heating homes from 2026. The government offers subsidies for the purchase of hybrid heat pumps, which has been increased to an average of 30% from this year.

It intends to set requirements for the efficiency of the heating systems, which will include an exception for homes that are not suitable or that will be connected to another alternative to natural gas in the short term.

The cabinet has committed €150 million (£127.2m) per year up to 2030 to support homeowners with the purchase of heat pumps.

New homes in the Netherlands and old ones that need to replace their heating systems will have to install sustainable heating systems, such as a hybrid heat pump, an electric heat pump or connect to a district heat network.

A hybrid heat pump, which is a combination of a heat pump and a central heating boiler, is expected to lead to an average 60% saving on natural gas consumption.

The government is amending the Buildings Decree to provide clarity for suppliers, installers as well as home and building owners.