Heat pump and district heating: How does the combination work?
The energy transition demands smart solutions to heat homes, businesses and entire neighborhoods sustainably.
Two key technologies play a leading role in this shift: district heating and heat pumps.
They are often seen as alternatives, but in practice, they can work together. So how does that combination function — and who benefits most?
What is district heating and how does it work?
District heating — also known as a heat network — is a collective system in which heat is generated centrally and distributed through insulated pipes to homes and businesses.
Heat sources can include:
- Industrial or data center waste heat
- Geothermal energy (earth heat)
- Waste incineration
- Large-scale heat pumps operating at district level
Buildings no longer need individual gas boilers. Instead, they use a heat delivery set that transfers the heat from the network safely and efficiently.
Read more: What Changes in District Heating from 2026?
What is a heat pump and why combine it with district heating?
A heat pump extracts heat from the surrounding environment (air, ground or water) and uses it for space heating and hot water. It runs primarily on electricity, making it a sustainable alternative to gas.
There are several types:
Air-to-water heat pump:
extracts heat from outdoor air.
Ground-source heat pump:
uses heat from the ground or a geothermal source.
Hybrid heat pump:
works in combination with a boiler or another heat system.
How can a heat pump and district heating be combined?
There are several ways these systems work together:
Heat pump as a source for district heating
Large heat pumps can supply sustainable heat to a district heating network.
They use waste heat or renewable electricity (from wind or solar) to heat water for distribution.
See also: District Heating Networks in the Netherlands and Regulations from 2026
Heat pump combined with district heating within a building
In apartment complexes, district heating is sometimes combined with a local (hybrid) heat pump.
The heat pump provides low-temperature heating, while the district heating system covers peak demand or domestic hot water.
All-electric vs. collective systems
In some situations, an individual heat pump can compete with district heating.
Municipalities and homeowners then face a choice: a collective network or individual systems.
Benefits of combining heat pumps and district heating
- Sustainability: Large heat pumps make district heating networks greener by integrating renewable heat sources.
- Flexibility: A building can rely on district heating as a base and use heat pumps for higher efficiency or lower temperature needs.
- Future-proofing: The combination supports gas phase-out and meets stricter CO₂ reduction targets.
- Stable energy costs: Electric and collective systems are less dependent on volatile gas prices.
- Smart control: With an Energy Management System (EMS), both systems can be monitored and optimized for efficiency.
Challenges and considerations
- Investment costs: Heat pumps require significant upfront investment, especially for large collective systems.
- System complexity: Combining technologies requires smart coordination and a well-integrated Energy Management System.
- Responsibility: Clear agreements are needed on who manages maintenance and operational costs.
- Tariff structures: District heating involves fixed fees, while heat pumps add variable electricity costs.
Who benefits most from the combination?
Municipalities
Municipalities aiming for gas-free districts increasingly use district heating networks powered by sustainable sources such as large heat pumps.
This aligns with the Heat Act 2026 and local transition plans.
Businesses and institutions
Large users — such as care facilities or schools — can benefit from hybrid setups.
A heat pump can handle the base load, while district heating ensures reliable supply during peak demand.
Read more: District Heating for Businesses
Households
For individual homes, the choice is usually either district heating or a heat pump.
However, hybrid applications are becoming more common in renovation projects or apartment complexes.
Real-world examples
In several Dutch cities, large-scale heat pumps already supply renewable heat to district heating networks.
Some projects use river or surface water as a heat source to warm entire neighborhoods.
These examples show that the combination of district heating and heat pumps is not just a vision for the future — it’s already driving the energy transition today.
Future outlook
The role of heat pumps within district heating systems is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
As electrification expands and renewable generation from wind and solar increases, more clean electricity can be used to power large heat pumps.
This will make district heating increasingly renewable, cost-effective and low in CO₂ emissions.
Read also: How Is District Heating Consumption Measured?
The combination of district heating and heat pumps offers major potential for a sustainable, reliable and future-proof heat supply.
While the systems can sometimes compete, in collective solutions they often strengthen one another.
For municipalities, businesses and households alike, it’s worth exploring how this combination can shape a more resilient energy future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I combine a heat pump with district heating at home?
In most cases, no — district heating already provides heat. However, hybrid heat pumps are sometimes used in apartment buildings.
Are heat pumps used as a source for district heating?
Yes, increasingly. Large-scale heat pumps use air or water as a heat source and feed that heat into the network.
What are the costs of combining a heat pump with district heating?
Costs depend on the installation, consumption and tariff structure. District heating involves fixed fees, while heat pumps require higher initial investment but can be cheaper in the long run.
Is there a subsidy for heat pumps if I already have district heating?
For individual homes with district heating, usually not. However, collective projects — such as large heat pumps in heat networks — may qualify for ISDE or SDE++ subsidies.
Is a hybrid heat pump suitable with district heating?
Yes, especially in apartment buildings or properties using low-temperature heating systems.
What does this mean for the future of the energy transition?
The combination of district heating and heat pumps will become a cornerstone of the energy transition — offering reliability from networks and sustainability through electrification.