The Dutch cabinet wants many households that need a new heating boiler from 2029 to install a smart hybrid heat pump, because tighter standards would rule out an ordinary gas boiler.
Housing Minister Boekholt-O’Sullivan told parliament the cabinet sees the hybrid heat pump as a stepping stone towards heating all buildings without natural gas by 2050.
A previous cabinet wanted to make the pumps compulsory from 2026, but the plan was dropped after several parties objected to the cost for households.
What the requirement covers
The rule would only apply when a boiler needs replacing, and apartments and listed buildings are exempt because heat pumps often cannot be used there.
A hybrid system takes heat from outdoor air and electricity, with a gas boiler for cold weather, and a smart model runs mainly on power when demand and prices are low.
A hybrid unit can cut gas use by up to 65% but costs about €8,000 including installation, or about €6,000 with subsidies, and the minister wants to offer interest-free loans.
If your boiler is nearing the end of its life, a good first step is picking the right heating installer in Amsterdam.