Belgium and Netherlands rollout heat‑pump and heat‑network subsidies to curb gas use

In Belgium, Energy & Climate Minister Melissa Depraetere announced a 25‑point plan to accelerate the shift to heat pumps and improve home cooling. The programme includes new subsidies of up to €8,000 for low‑income households and free advice from organisations such as 3WPlus, which conducts in‑home assessments and recommends measures like shading, ventilation and insulating upgrades. Installers report that demand for heat‑pump and air‑conditioning installations has doubled, with many firms booked through the summer.

In the Netherlands, Climate and Green Growth Minister Stientje van Veldhoven reiterated that collective warm‑networks are the cheapest way to replace natural gas in dense urban areas and help alleviate pressure on the electricity grid. The cabinet is preparing a refreshed Warmnet Investment Scheme (WIS 2.0) slated to start in 2027, extending the current application deadline to 30 November. A study identified 23 potential heat‑network clusters that could host at least 200 000 connections over the next decade, provided sufficient funding and support mechanisms are in place.