Analysis of the Transition to Renewable Heating in the Netherlands

Case Study from the year 2023 in the subject Energy Sciences, grade: 1,3, University of Freiburg (University College Freiburg), language: English, abstract: This analysis aims at assessing the feasibility and economic viability of transitioning from gas boilers to heat pumps for space heating in the Netherlands. The study investigates the energy mix for space heating, investment costs for heat pumps, energy costs, subsidy schemes, and calculates the pay-back time for heat pump installations, compared to gas boilers. Furthermore, it explores the additional subsidy needed, or the additional CO2 price required to achieve a pay-back time of five years. Finally, an outlook on the expected performance of the Netherlands in the renewable heating transition will be given. It is important to note that in the context of this study, an air-to-water heat pump will be considered to calculate the heating demand for a house with a 120m2 floor area.