At a time when energy security is becoming crucial for the stability of the entire continent, Poland and Germany are demonstrating that solidarity and cooperation are the most effective responses to external risks. Poland’s Minister of Energy, Miłosz Motyka, supports the implementation of UNITED HEAT, a project connecting the district heating systems of Poland and Germany.
Construction of UNITED HEAT — a cross-border connection of the Polish and German district heating systems — has begun in Zgorzelec and Goerlitz. This highly advanced technological undertaking is one of the most important energy investments in Central Europe. It will enable the full decarbonization of the heating systems in both cities by 2030 and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Poland’s Minister of Energy, Miłosz Motyka, and Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche.
The investment is being carried out by SEC Zgorzelec, part of E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions Polska, and Stadtwerke Goerlitz from the Veolia Germany Group. The symbolic groundbreaking at the wastewater treatment plant in Goerlitz marked the start of a key phase of the project—the construction of 12 kilometers of new district heating network, including a cross-border connection beneath the Lusatian Neisse River, linking the heating systems of both cities. This will enable joint energy management, more efficient use of local resources, and increased supply security for residents on both sides of the border.
UNITED HEAT is a practical example of the energy transition. The system will be based on renewable energy sources and low-emission technologies, such as solar energy with seasonal storage, heat recovery from wastewater and surface water, heat pumps, biomass boilers, and the use of waste heat and power-to-heat solutions. As a result, CO₂ emissions will be reduced by approximately 50,000 tonnes annually—equivalent to the emissions of 28,000 passenger cars.
The investment is being implemented simultaneously on both sides of the border:
The strong European dimension of the investment is underscored by the participation of representatives of the Polish and German governments, as well as representatives of the funding body—the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The project engages an international team of more than 30 experts from various countries at every stage—from design to implementation—and is the most important energy transition project in the region.
Voices of the Project Partners
From the outset, the UNITED HEAT project has attracted strong interest and support at both governmental and local levels, becoming a symbol of modern European energy cooperation. Its importance is emphasized by representatives of both Poland and Germany, who agree that UNITED HEAT is not only an infrastructure investment but also a model of effective international cooperation that can serve as a benchmark for future initiatives across Europe.
Poland’s Minister of Energy, Miłosz Motyka stated:
“Connecting the district heating systems of Poland and Germany 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 knowledge exchange, the implementation of innovation, and the creation of systems resilient to fluctuations in the energy market. It is also a model for other countries in our region in building shared resilience. I would like to thank our German partners for their commitment and trust.”
Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche emphasized:
“The United Heat project impressively demonstrates how municipalities can successfully cooperate 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. By linking German and Polish district heating networks, the heating sector will be decarbonized in a cost-effective way, and our energy security will be strengthened—for the benefit of businesses and consumers in Goerlitz and Zgorzelec.”
An equally important voice comes from local authorities, who will directly experience the benefits of the investment.
“The launch of the ‘United Heat’ project proves that Lower Silesia can be a leader in modern, responsible energy in Europe. By connecting Zgorzelec and Goerlitz with a shared district heating system based on renewable energy sources, we show that borders can unite in the interest of energy security, innovation, and environmental protection. This is an investment in the future of our region’s residents, translating into cleaner air, stable energy prices, and stronger international cooperation,” said Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The Mayor of Goerlitz, Octavian Ursu, expressed his enthusiasm:
“The groundbreaking is a historic moment for our European city. After years of planning, our vision is now becoming reality. UNITED HEAT is a symbol of successful European cooperation and a determined path toward climate neutrality.”
The Mayor of Zgorzelec, Rafał Gronicz, added:
“Thanks to the groundbreaking decision in 2020 to jointly pursue a cross-border district heating system, the European city of Zgorzelec/Goerlitz has taken on a pioneering role that will benefit residents on both sides of the Neisse.”
Project partners responsible for implementation also highlight improvements in quality of life and enhanced regional energy security.
Jarosław Grzęda, Vice President of the Management Board of SEC Zgorzelec, said:
“We are already building a biomass heating plant, and we will also launch a solar heating plant with heat storage and connect the heating systems of both cities. We will create a system that ensures residents’ security in terms of both stability and independence of heat supply. This solution is based on renewable energy sources. As a result, residents of Zgorzelec can have greater confidence that heat will be available in their homes regardless of fuel availability and geopolitical conditions.”
Matthias Block, CEO of Stadtwerke Goerlitz AG, emphasized:
“UNITED HEAT is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of successful European cooperation and a clear commitment to decarbonization, energy efficiency, and securing the future.”
Marten Bunnemann, CEO of E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions, stated:
“The ceremonial groundbreaking marking today’s start of construction is a strong signal of cooperation that goes beyond companies and even national borders. UNITED HEAT is more than another step toward modern heating infrastructure. It is a joint project that, especially in times of global uncertainty, reflects strong European unity.”
Martin Ridder, representing Veolia and serving as CEO of the Energy and Water Business Unit, added:
“Sustainable heat supply is one of the key challenges of our time. UNITED HEAT shows how ecological and economic transformation can be implemented through a smart combination of regional production and cutting-edge technologies.”
Ground-breaking ceremony for UNITED HEAT: Matthias Block (Chairman of the Board, Stadtwerke Görlitz AG), Rafał Gronicz (Mayor of Zgorzelec), Octavian Ursu (Mayor of Görlitz), Michael Kretschmer (Prime Minister of Saxony), Katherina Reiche (Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy), Konrad Wojnarowski (Under-Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Energy), Paweł Gancarz (Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship), Adam Kampa (CEO Szczecińska Energetyka Cieplna Sp. z o.o.), Marten Bunnemann (CEO E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions) (from left to right) jointly give the go-ahead for the cross-border district heating project. Foto: Nikolai Schmidt
Rafał Gronicz (Mayor of Zgorzelec), Paweł Gancarz (Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship), Konrad Wojnarowski (Under-Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Energy), Marten Bunnemann (CEO E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions), Katherina Reiche (Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy), Octavian Ursu (Mayor of Görlitz), Michael Kretschmer (Prime Minister of Saxony), Martin Ridder (CEO Energy & Water Division Veolia)(from left to right), on the site of the Görlitz sewage treatment plant. With the start of the first construction phase, the project is no longer a vision of the future, but a concrete reality. Foto: Nikolai Schmidt
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