How hybrid heat pumps are making a difference in the Netherlands

A hybrid heat pump is a heating system that combines a traditional gas boiler with an electric heat pump, allowing for reduced gas consumption and lower energy bills by switching between energy sources based on efficiency and demand.

Hybrid heat pumps are becoming a key player in the Netherlands' journey to decarbonise domestic heating. In a recent talk at IGEM's Policy Conference, Josja Roest, Director of Public & Government Affairs Europe at Rheem shared insights from a two-year demonstration project involving almost 200 homes fitted with hybrid systems, from flats to large villas. The study was part of a wider effort to understand how these technologies can support energy transition goals while staying affordable and practical for households.

Why hybrid?

The Netherlands, historically reliant on gas, is now transitioning away from fossil fuels following its national climate agreement. While the future includes a mix of heat networks, electric heat pumps and green gas (hydrogen and biomethane), hybrid systems are proving to be a strong interim solution.

The trial focused on two questions:

• How much can hybrid heat pumps reduce gas consumption?

• What impact do they have on household energy bills?

Results

The data showed an average gas saving of 74.83%, a cost reduction of nearly 40%, and in 55 homes, heat pumps met over 95% of the heating demand.

"More households than expected are ready for low-temperature heating," he said. "We didn’t have to add insulation, change the radiators, no underfloor heating—just the same house with a hybrid heat pump."

For the UK, where many homes are similar to those in the Netherlands in terms of age and heating infrastructure, this kind of evidence offers a clear signal: hybrid systems can play a valuable role as we scale up low-carbon heat.

IGEM members can watch the talk on-demand here: Two winters with two hunder hybrids by Josja Roest

Another useful resource is a report written by members of the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) and the European Heating Industry association (EHI), which can also be seen here: Thermally driven heat pumps: How they work and why they matter.