New cabinet scraps mandatory hybrid heat pump

The new government is scrapping the requirement to install a heat pump when replacing a boiler from 2026. A quick search of the 26-page outline agreement presented yesterday makes that clear.

Last night, PVV, NSC, VVD and BBB reached an outline agreement on an extra-parliamentary cabinet. Under the heading "Energy Transition," it reads, "There will be no mandatory label jumps for owner-occupied homes and the obligation to have to install a heat pump from 2026, when replacing the boiler, will be scrapped.

Mandatory transfer

Minister Hugo de Jonge announced in April 2022 that from 2026 hybrid heat pumps would be the standard. That meant that when replacing central heating systems, people would have to switch to a more sustainable alternative, which in many cases would be a hybrid heat pump. That massive switch would save a lot of natural gas, which is good for the climate and reduces energy bills. Research also showed that on average a household would save about 1,000 euros with a hybrid heat pump instead of a central heating system.

However, there were exceptions. For example, people with an apartment or a house with monumental status could still use a gas-fired central heating boiler in the coming years. This would also apply to owners of houses that were connected to a heat network by the municipality within 10 years.

Hit for manufacturers

That the obligation will be scrapped is a major setback for heat pump manufacturers. Especially since they have already made investments to cope with the increased demand. Those investments are now at risk, even though in many cases a heat pump remains a good investment because it actually makes money.