Dutch Minister Boosts Green Transition with New Heat Subsidies

2025-06-16 green

The Hague, Monday, 16 June 2025.
Minister Hermans introduces enhanced subsidies for heat pumps and networks, addressing 2030 climate targets. This aligns with calls for increased funding to lower greenhouse gases in rental sectors.

Increased Subsidies for Renewable Heating

On 16 June 2025, Dutch Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans announced an increase in subsidies for heat pumps and heat networks. This decision is a strategic move aimed at meeting the ambitious 2030 climate targets set by the government. The subsidies are intended to promote the transition towards renewable heating solutions and address the rising demand from housing corporations that seek additional financial support for transitioning rental properties to more sustainable heating options [1][2].

Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rental Properties

Since the initiation of the subsidy scheme in 2020, there has been an unexpectedly high demand for resources to connect rental homes to heat networks. This surge in applications has led to a rapid depletion of the available subsidy budget, prompting calls from organizations such as the Corporatiekoepel Aedes for increased funding. This reflects a broader concern about whether current measures are sufficient to achieve the necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the rental housing sector [1].

Innovation in Heat Network Investments

In addition to enhancing subsidies for heat pumps and networks, the Dutch government is initiating a new round of the Warmtenetten Investeringssubsidie (WIS) starting on 1 August 2025. This subsidy program targets cooperatives and companies investing in energy-efficient heat networks. Notably, for the first time, the WIS will also cover network-connected thermal storage systems, broadening the scope of eligible projects and encouraging widespread adoption of innovative heating solutions [2].

The Role of Industry and Municipalities

Besides the national initiatives, local governments are contributing through various schemes such as the Subsidie Klimaatadaptatie, which supports individual and community efforts to achieve sustainable living environments. These programs include subsidies for green roofs, reduced paving, and rainwater management solutions, illustrating a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation at the municipal level [3][4]. At the same time, industrial sectors are accessing targeted funding, such as the Versnelde Klimaatinvesteringen Industrie (VEKI), to facilitate significant CO2-reduction investments, thus reinforcing the broader national targets for emission reductions [5].

Bronnen

climate policy heat networks