Zero carbon, some nuisance: Exploring the viewpoints of heat pump owners and their neighbors in Groningen, Netherlands

The domestic use of natural gas for heating is the prevalent option in the
Netherlands. However, heat pumps will be mandatory in most Dutch households by 2026. Therefore, insights are needed in how citizens perceive this
technology, by taking into account various societal, technological, economic,
environmental, and political aspects. Our research offers a systematic investigation of the multiple viewpoints of heat pump users and their neighbors in
Groningen, northern Netherlands. Using Q-methodology, we identified three
distinct but interrelated and shared viewpoints: the realistic users, the hesitant neighbors and the enthusiastic advocates. All three shared viewpoints
incorporate social influence and cognitive considerations, with the positive
environmental impacts of heat pumps being highlighted in unison.
Cognitive considerations relate mainly to technical and economic concerns.
Social influence considerations often hint at the necessity of making prior
agreements with the neighbors. We argue that the findings of this study can
support policymakers toward the development of an integrated heat transition strategy.