Görlitz/Zgorzelec, 31 March 2026
A historic moment for Poland and Germany: after six years of intensive planning, the construction phase of the transnational district heating project UNITED HEAT was officially launched today in the twin European cities of Görlitz/Zgorzelec. With UNITED HEAT, the two cities and their partners are realising a seminal project that will secure a sustainable heat supply for residents on both sides of the border for generations to come. A ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the Görlitz wastewater treatment plant marked a powerful statement in favour of the European energy transition, jointly delivered by Stadtwerke Görlitz (SWG AG), a Veolia company, and Polish heat supplier SEC Zgorzelec, a subsidiary of E.ON.
The significance of the undertaking was reflected in the distinguished list of attendees. German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche, Polish Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka, Minister-President of Saxony Michael Kretschmer, as well as Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, joined Mayors Octavian Ursu (Görlitz) and Rafał Gronicz (Zgorzelec) in marking this milestone in German-Polish cooperation.
A Model Project for Europe
By 2030, both cities will transition their heat generation entirely to renewable energy sources. Technologies to be deployed include solar thermal energy with seasonal storage, heat recovery from lake water and wastewater, biomass boilers, and power-to-heat installations. This transformation will enable annual CO₂ savings of nearly 50,000 tonnes — equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 28,000 passenger vehicles.
By interconnecting the district heating networks — both within Görlitz and across the border with Zgorzelec — the project will generate synergies that extend climate-friendly district heating to additional households while significantly enhancing security of supply on both sides of the Neisse River.
Statements
Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy
“United Heat is a striking example of how local authorities can successfully collaborate on heat supply across national borders. To ensure a secure, affordable and sustainable heat supply in the heart of Europe, we are supporting investments on the German side with 81.6 million euros. By linking the German and Polish district heating networks, the heating sector will be decarbonised cost-effectively and our energy security strengthened – creating a modern infrastructure that benefits businesses and consumers in Görlitz and Zgorzelec.“
Miłosz Motyka, Polish Minister of Energy
“The integration of Poland’s and Germany’s district heating systems is a very important step for energy security, but also a symbolic gesture of partnership and our shared responsibility. Thanks to this project, Poland and Germany will be able to jointly ensure stable heat supplies, optimize energy use, and develop low-emission technologies. Cross-border cooperation in the heating sector enables the exchange of knowledge, the implementation of innovations, and the creation of systems that are resilient to fluctuations in the energy market. It is also a model for other countries in our region in terms of building collective resilience. I would like to thank our partners from Germany for their commitment and trust.”
Matthias Block, Chief Executive Officer, Stadtwerke Görlitz AG
„UNITED HEAT is more than an infrastructure project — it is a symbol of successful European cooperation and a resolute commitment to decarbonisation, efficiency, and long-term resilience.“
Jarosław Grzęda, Deputy Managing Director, SEC Zgorzelec
„At our site in Zgorzelec, we are already constructing a biomass heating plant. In addition, we will commission a solar heating plant with thermal storage and interconnect the district heating networks of both cities. The result will be a system that guarantees residents both security of supply and independence in their heat provision — based on renewable energy sources. The people of Zgorzelec can be confident that their heat supply is secured regardless of fuel availability or geopolitical developments.“
Martin Ridder, CEO, Energy & Water Division, Veolia
„Sustainable heat supply is one of the central tasks of our time. UNITED HEAT shows how this can be achieved: by deploying an intelligent mix of regional heat generation and state-of-the-art technologies to drive the ecological transformation in an economically viable and affordable way.“
Marten Bunnemann, CEO, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions
„Today’s groundbreaking is a powerful signal of a collaboration that transcends corporate and even national boundaries. UNITED HEAT is more than another step towards modern heat infrastructure. It is a joint endeavour that stands for a strong European community — particularly in times of global uncertainty.“
From Vision to Reality
After years of intensive planning, UNITED HEAT is now becoming a reality. With today’s groundbreaking, construction begins on a total of twelve kilometres of connecting pipeline that will unite two cities, two countries, and two district heating networks into a single Jarosław Grzęda, Deputy Managing Director, SEC Zgorzelec
„At our site in Zgorzelec, we are already constructing a biomass heating plant. In addition, we will commission a solar heating plant with thermal storage and interconnect the district heating networks of both cities. The result will be a system that guarantees residents both security of supply and independence in their heat provision — based on renewable energy sources. The people of Zgorzelec can be confident that their heat supply is secured regardless of fuel availability or geopolitical developments.“
Martin Ridder, CEO, Energy & Water Division, Veolia
„Sustainable heat supply is one of the central tasks of our time. UNITED HEAT shows how this can be achieved: by deploying an intelligent mix of regional heat generation and state-of-the-art technologies to drive the ecological transformation in an economically viable and affordable way.“
Marten Bunnemann, CEO, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions
„Today’s groundbreaking is a powerful signal of a collaboration that transcends corporate and even national boundaries. UNITED HEAT is more than another step towards modern heat infrastructure. It is a joint endeavour that stands for a strong European community — particularly in times of global uncertainty.“
From Vision to Reality
After years of intensive planning, UNITED HEAT is now becoming a reality. With today’s groundbreaking, construction begins on a total of twelve kilometres of connecting pipeline that will unite two cities, two countries, and two district heating networks into a single
Image 1
Ceremonial groundbreaking for UNITED HEAT:Left to right: Martin Ridder (CEO, Energy & Water Division, Veolia), Matthias Block (Chief Executive Officer, Stadtwerke Görlitz AG), Michael Kretschmer (Minister-President of Saxony), Katherina Reiche (German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy), Miłosz Motyka (Polish Minister of Energy), Paweł Gancarz (Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship), Octavian Ursu (Mayor of Görlitz), Rafał Gronicz (Mayor of Zgorzelec), Jarosław Grzęda (Deputy Managing Director, SEC Zgorzelec), Marten Bunnemann (CEO, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions) (l. to r.) jointly launch the transnational district heating project.
Image 2
Michael Kretschmer (Minister-President of Saxony), Katherina Reiche (German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy), Miłosz Motyka (Polish Minister of Energy), Paweł Gancarz (Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship) (l. to r.) at the site of the Görlitz wastewater treatment plant. With the commencement of the first construction phase, the project is on its way from vision to reality.
About Stadtwerke Görlitz AG
Stadtwerke Görlitz AG is part of the Veolia Group, the leading international company for environmental services. Through Veolia Environnement Lausitz GmbH, Veolia holds 74.9 per cent of the shares in Stadtwerke Görlitz. The Görlitz municipal utilities supply around 60,000 people in the region with drinking water, electricity, natural gas and district heating as well as managing waste water disposal and city lighting. As a service partner of the Rothenburg/O.L. wastewater association, the municipal utilities are also responsible for treating the wastewater of a further 8,500 residents. In Germany, the Veolia Group also has shareholdings in Stadtwerke Weißwasser, BS|ENERGY Braunschweiger Versorgungs-AG und Co KG, MIDEWA Wasserversorgungsgesellschaft in Mitteldeutschland mbH (based in Merseburg), TVF Waste Solutions GmbH and OTWA Ostthüringer Wasser und Abwasser GmbH (based in Gera). More information at www.stadtwerke-goerlitz.de and www.veolia.de.
About Veolia
Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, works every day to build ecological security for the benefit of public health and the competitiveness of industries and regions. With 215,000 employees across five continents, working closely with local communities, and thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, the group cleans up pollution, reduces carbon emissions, and regenerates resources through concrete solutions that combine its expertise in water and water technologies, waste – including hazardous waste management, and local energy. In 2025, the Veolia group served 110 million people with drinking water and 97 million with sanitation, produced 45 million megawatt hours of energy, and treated 64 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE, Fortune 500, SBF 120) generated consolidated revenue of €44.4 billion in 2025. www.veolia.com. In Germany, Veolia and its affiliated companies employ around 12,000 people at approximately 250 sites. In partnership with local authorities, they serve more than 12 million people. In addition, they provide tailor-made services for private and commercial customers, trade and industry. In its three business segments, Veolia generated annual revenue of €2.8 billion in Germany in 2025. www.veolia.de.
About SEC
SEC Zgorzelec Sp. z o.o. is an energy company operating the district heating in Zgorzelec. A central area of activity is the operation and expansion of the city’s district heating system, which constitutes a significant part of the municipal infrastructure of the city.
The system managed by the company includes 7 heat sources, a district heating network with a length of over 26 km, and around 121 heat transfer stations, supplying energy to several hundred consumers, including residential buildings, public institutions, and businesses. The total ordered capacity is over 38 MW, ensuring the supply security and energy security of the local population.
SEC Zgorzelec carries out modernization measures to increase energy efficiency and to reduce pollutant emissions. Key investments include the construction of a modern biomass-fired heating plant, which is ultimately intended to replace conventional, fossil fuel-based sources. The company also participates in international projects and implements solutions for the digitalization of the district heating network, supporting its development towards a sustainable and low-emission energy economy.
SEC Zgorzelec Sp. z o.o. is part of the E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions Polska Group.
About E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions
E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions is a European leader of integrated energy solutions for cities and industries. As a growth segment of the E.ON Group, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in 14 European countries by combining strong engineering expertise with deep market knowledge. Its service portfolio spans the entire value chain – from planning and construction to the operation and optimization of integrated ecosystems for heating, cooling, and power.
www.eon.com
You can find more information and materials for download at
www.united-heat.com/press
For media enquiries, please contact:
Denise Seifert | Stadtwerke Görlitz AG
+49 151 17637555 | denise.seifert@stadtwerke-goerlitz.de
Danuta Misztal | SEC – Szczecińska Energetyka Cieplna
+48 601 771 734 | danuta.misztal@sec.com.pl
Eva-Maria Gaedigk | Veolia Deutschland
+49 172 25 00 778 | eva-maria.gaedigk@veolia.com
Kai-Robert Blum | E.ON
+49 162 4316585 | kairobert.blum@eon.com