United Heat: German-Polish Cities Connect with Climate-Neutral District Heating Network
Görlitz, Germany, is taking a significant step toward sustainable energy, becoming one of the first cities to implement a climate-neutral heating network. This ambitious project, dubbed “United Heat,” goes a step further by extending across the border to include Zgorzelec, Poland, creating a truly collaborative energy solution. The first groundbreaking for the network took place this week, marking the beginning of construction on a system designed to provide affordable and environmentally friendly warmth to both communities.
The nearly €200 million “United Heat” project is unique in its cross-border nature, linking Görlitz with its Polish sister city, Zgorzelec. The two cities officially declared themselves a European City in 1998, and this project represents a deepening of that partnership. This initiative comes as cities with populations exceeding 100,000 are required to present plans by the end of June for organizing their residents’ heat supply in a climate-friendly manner, with smaller communities having two additional years to comply.
A Project with Political Dimensions
While fundamentally an economic undertaking, the “United Heat” project carries political weight. Adam Kampa, head of the Zgorzelec municipal utility, emphasized that the network serves “a symbol that demonstrates Germans and Poles can cooperate.” This sentiment, while seemingly straightforward, is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical climate. Recent tensions, including Polish border controls implemented ostensibly to combat illegal immigration, have complicated cross-border travel and trade, extending until October 1st.
Despite these broader political challenges, the project launch in Görlitz drew a high-level delegation, including German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche, Polish Energy Minister Milosz Motyka, Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer, and representatives from the European Union, as well as key stakeholders from Veolia (owner of Görlitz’s municipal utility) and Eon (operator of Zgorzelec’s utility).
Securing Energy Independence, Regionally
Minister Reiche lauded the collaborative spirit and trust demonstrated by all parties involved. She highlighted the project’s potential to create a secure energy supply independent of global market uncertainties, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis. Reiche, who previously oversaw Eon’s network operations, noted that the cross-border approach is projected to reduce investment costs by 13 percent and lower costs for consumers by eight percent.
Currently, Görlitz relies primarily on natural gas for district heating, while Zgorzelec still heavily utilizes brown coal. “United Heat” aims to eliminate the approximately 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions generated annually by these systems. The plan is to transition entirely to renewable energy sources within four years.
Climate Protection is a Key Driver, But Not the Only One
Konrad Wojnarowski, Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment in Poland, underscored the historical significance of district heating in Poland, where nearly half of the population – 15 million out of 36 million – is connected to the country’s 23,000-kilometer network, often powered by domestic brown or hard coal. Poland is now undergoing a major energy transformation, driven not only by climate concerns but also by the require for socially acceptable and affordable heating prices. The Polish government is actively seeking further financial support from the European Union for these initiatives, particularly in the upcoming 2028-2034 budgetary period.
Warmth Powered by Wood Chips, Solar, and the Sea
Biomass will play a central role in the future integrated heating network of Görlitz and Zgorzelec, providing nearly half of the required energy. This will be facilitated by a new combined heat and power plant on the Polish side, fueled by wood chips and sawdust.
On the German side, heat will be primarily extracted from the nearby Berzdorfer See lake, with minimal impact on water temperature. 37 hectares of solar thermal collectors will feed a seasonal heat storage system. The remaining energy needs will be met by heat pumps utilizing wastewater. Project leaders promise “a year-round stable, decarbonized heat supply.”
Mayors Hope for Broad Adoption
The project has been in development since 2020, spearheaded by the mayors of both cities. Both Görlitz and Zgorzelec possess existing district heating networks dating back to their socialist past. Currently, 23 percent of households in Görlitz and a larger proportion in Zgorzelec’s prefabricated housing estates are connected. The expansion will require the construction of 12 kilometers of new pipelines, with hopes that additional residents will connect to the network.
The synergy created by linking the networks is expected to yield cost savings. The project’s total investment is estimated at €195 million, with half funded by the EU and €81 million from the German federal government. Local businesses are also expected to benefit.
EU and National Funding Fuel the Initiative
The affordability of the project remains a key concern for both Görlitz Mayor Octavian Ursu and Zgorzelec Mayor Rafał Gronicz, recognizing that cost is crucial for public acceptance. They acknowledge the potential for cost overruns and the need for substantial public subsidies to ensure the project’s financial viability. Similar cross-border projects are also being planned along the Oder River between Guben (Germany) and Gubin (Poland), and between Frankfurt (Germany) and Słubice (Poland). Further west, a project near Kehl, Germany, will utilize waste heat from the Badische Stahlwerke steel plant to heat 7,000 households in Strasbourg, France, via a 6.5-kilometer pipeline under the Rhine River.
The success of “United Heat” could serve as a model for future cross-border energy collaborations, demonstrating the benefits of regional cooperation in achieving climate goals and enhancing energy security.
Next Steps: Construction of the initial four-kilometer section of the network is underway, with completion targeted for 2030. Further expansion and connection of additional households are planned in the coming years.
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