Netherlands to mandate smart hybrid heat pumps from 2029

The Dutch government has announced that starting in 2029, a ‘smart’ hybrid heat pump will become the standard when replacing central heating boilers in homes not connected to a district heating network. This measure, announced by Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning Boekholt-O’Sullivan, aims to align with the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD IV), which targets an emission-free building stock by 2050.

A hybrid heat pump works alongside a traditional boiler to reduce natural gas consumption by an average of 65 percent. However, the mandate has faced criticism from energy advisors who note that installation costs can reach up to 7,000 euros, excluding the maintenance of two separate systems. There are also concerns regarding increased electricity consumption.

In a broader effort to promote residential sustainability, the government is also launching a national campaign to assist homeowners in making energy-efficient upgrades. This includes advice on smaller-scale renovations, such as improving bathroom efficiency through heat recovery systems and better insulation, to complement larger structural changes.