Insulation homes Groningen and North Drenthe
Homeowners in the province of Groningen and North Drenthe can apply for subsidies to insulate their homes from June 2025. This is one of the measures the government is taking to help people with earthquake damage. There is €1.5 billion to insulate homes.
Measures 28 and 29: Insulate as many homes as possible
60 years of gas extraction in Groningen has brought great harm to the people in the gas extraction area. In response, the government is taking a total of 50 measures to:
- repair damage;
- strengthen housing;
- repay the debt of honor to the region.
Some homes in the earthquake area fall under Measure 28: Combine reinforcement and insulation measures. For this group of residents, the National Coordinator of Groningen (NCG) includes insulation, including finishing, when reinforcing homes.
For all other property owners in Groningen and North Drenthe, the following applies Measure 29, which aims to insulate as many homes as possible.
Status of insulation subsidy scheme Groningen and North Drenthe
The draft regulation making the grant official was open for Internet consultation from Jan. 8 through Jan. 27. 673 responses were received. The government and the region have used these responses to adjust the scheme on a number of points. The Lower House must now decide on it. The goal is for the scheme to be in effect in May. So that the first homeowners can apply for subsidies before the summer.
Goal: Insulate all homes in 13 municipalities by 2035
There is €1.5 billion available to insulate homes. This concerns all homes in Groningen (10 municipalities) and North Drenthe (municipalities Aa en Hunze, Noordenveld and Tynaarlo) that are not yet properly insulated. So that all residents can have a sustainable and energy-efficient home. This measure combats energy poverty and ensures that people benefit from low energy costs.
Cost of insulation reimbursed (in part)
For each home, the insulation measures needed to achieve the standard for home insulation. What portion of the cost is reimbursed depends, among other things, on the characteristics of the home. And how well it is already insulated. Residents in the reinforcement area will be reimbursed 100% of the total insulation costs. Residents in the rest of the province of Groningen and in North Drenthe will be reimbursed 50%. This includes the already existing national subsidies (ISDE, SVVE and SVOH).
The maximum amounts of €20,000 and €40,000 are not needed for most homes. What is needed is determined on a per home basis. Most homes can be insulated to the standard for home insulation for less cost.
A distinction was made between 4 different groups:
Residents with (medium) heavy amplification (Measure 28)
This includes residents where the strengthening of their homes by the NCG will take at least 4 months. And where they cannot live at home during that period. For this group, the costs for insulation are fully financed as part of the reinforcement of the house. They do not have to pay extra for this.
Residents within the reinforcement area
People living in the reinforcement area will be reimbursed 100% of the insulation and ventilation costs. Up to a maximum of €40,000. This includes:
- homes that meet the safety standard;
- homes still eligible for light reinforcement;
- neighborhoods and surrounding areas, where more than 30% of the homes are within the reinforcement operation.
Residents with income up to 140% of the social minimum
This includes all people with this income in the province of Groningen and 3 municipalities in North Drenthe (Aa en Hunze, Noordenveld and Tynaarlo). They are reimbursed 100% of the insulation costs, up to a maximum of € 40,000.
Residents in the rest of the province of Groningen and 3 municipalities in North Drenthe
This group of people receives 50% subsidies for insulation measures, up to a maximum of €20,000. This is about double what residents from the rest of the Netherlands receive. Homeowners who cannot pay the remaining 50% themselves can have it pre-financed through the National Heat Fund. In almost all cases, the monthly energy bill savings exceed the repayment to the Heat Fund. And homeowners are improving per month.
Home insulation subsidy
Map of the entire province of Groningen and part of the province Drenthe, with the municipalities of Noordenveld, Tynaarlo and Aa and Hunze. The reinforcement area is spread across the Groningen municipalities of Eemsdelta, Groningen, Het Hogeland, Midden-Groningen and Oldambt. Within this area, homeowners receive full compensation for insulation measures. For homes outside the reinforcement area, partial compensation is available.
Reimbursement for triple glazing and frames.
Residents who purchased triple glass or window frames between April 25, 2023 and March 10, 2025 will be reimbursed for 50% or 100%. Exactly how much depends on the group of residents they belong to, see breakdown above. As of March 10, 2025, a new agreement applies for this. Homeowners in Groningen and North Drenthe may choose between:
- 50% or 100% subsidy for HR++ glass without frames; or
- 30% subsidy for both triple glazing and frames.
Grant applications from June 2025
Homeowners can apply for subsidies for their insulation and ventilation measures beginning in June 2025. Residents who have previously taken insulation measures can apply for subsidies first. Beginning Sept. 2, 2025, residents can apply for subsidies for new insulation measures on a zip code by zip code basis.
No need to wait for grant
Homeowners who have insulation measures in place by April 25, 2023, will receive compensation. So they do not have to wait to insulate until they can apply for a subsidy.
There is a Roadmap for homeowners who want to insulate their homes now. Conditions for additional insulation can also be found on the Nij Begun website. Here is all the information about the recovery of Groningen and North Drenthe as a result of gas extraction.
Also compensation for tenants and no rent increase
Homeowners take insulation measures themselves. For tenants, this is done through the private landlord or housing corporation. Housing corporations have already agreed with the government to make homes with energy labels E, F and G more sustainable.
In addition, housing associations will receive a contribution of € 222 million for insulating their homes. Tenants of housing corporations do not have to pay for the insulation measures. The rent may not be increased for this reason.
Help for residents with insulation and grant applications
Residents who need it will get help from the municipality starting in 2025. For example, to apply for subsidies or take insulation measures. Municipalities will receive extra money from the government for this.
North Netherlands partnership offers grants
The Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN) will ensure that residents can apply for subsidies to insulate their homes. The SNN has knowledge and experience in the region. Once the preparations are complete, visitors can apply for subsidies through the SNN.
Ventilation also important when insulating
By insulating, a home is given a "warm coat," so to speak. For example, by insulating the roof, walls and floor. Extra insulation also means that good ventilation is needed. Necessary ventilation measures, such as mechanical and natural ventilation, are also covered by the subsidy.