Government pushes hybrid heat pumps as new standard for future gas-free homes
The Dutch cabinet intends to require hybrid heat pumps as the default replacement for gas boilers starting in 2029 to advance its climate objectives.
In a letter to the Tweede Kamer, Minister Boekholt-O'Sullivan said one outlet minority cabinet will make hybrid heat pumps the default option for households whose boilers must be replaced from 2029, aligning with the goal of eliminating natural-gas heating by 2050. The policy mirrors a plan originally slated for 2026 under cabinet-Rutte IV but scrapped by cabinet-Schoof after parties such as the PVV, NSC, VVD and BBB criticized the expense for consumers.
A hybrid pump extracts heat from the air and the electricity grid, while still using a gas boiler when temperatures are very low, offering a gradual transition to fully electric systems. Hundreds of thousands have already adopted either full electric or hybrid units, and many users report positive experiences. The new rule applies only when a boiler is replaced; existing units can remain operational, and exemptions exist for apartments and protected monuments. To ease the €6,000 cost for families, the ministry will develop interest-free financing options and encourage smart operation that shifts electricity use to off-peak periods to relieve the grid.
Why it matters
The policy will shape how Dutch households heat their homes, affecting energy costs, climate targets and the electricity grid.
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