Dutch cabinet proposes smart hybrid heat pumps as standard from 2029

The Dutch cabinet wants homeowners replacing a central-heating boiler from 2029 to install a smart hybrid heat pump, unless their home is connected to a heat network or due to be connected to one. Announced on 7 October 2026, the change is a proposal, not a rule already in force. [1]

Under the plan, every newly installed hybrid heat pump would also have to be smart from 2029. The government says these pumps could heat homes when the electricity network is less busy or power prices are lower. It says a Dutch technical agreement setting out the requirements has been published, but the final rules have yet to be specified. [1]

The government says a home using a heat pump or hybrid heat pump uses, on average, 65% less gas for heating and has more than 30% lower CO₂ emissions from the home. A hybrid system still uses some gas. The cabinet describes the proposed standard as a step towards heating buildings without natural gas by 2050, while favouring a fully electric heat pump where one is already feasible. [1]