Belgium’s Flanders region is massively reducing gas connections and accelerating the transition to heat pumps

Belgium’s Flanders region is preparing to significantly reduce the use of natural gas for home heating and promote heat pumps. According to a study conducted for the Flemish regulatory authority, the number of connections to the gas distribution network could fall from approximately 2.4 million in 2023 to 1.3 million by 2050.

Gas consumption is expected to decrease from 55 TWh to around 13 TWh, driven by more energy-efficient buildings and a shift toward electricity and hybrid solutions. However, the scenario analyzed does not envisage mandatory disconnection of all homes. Approximately 1.3 million users could remain connected in 2050.

The change has already begun for new construction. From 2025, connection to the gas network is generally prohibited for new residential and non-residential buildings. In July 2026, the regional government approved the Heat Pump Plan 2030, which aims to accelerate their installation and prepare buildings for heating without fossil fuels by 2040.

In 2024, 67% of Flemish households used natural gas as their main heating source, while only 3.6% used heat pumps. Higher taxation of fossil fuels for heating is also planned from 2028, to make electric alternatives more attractive.