Germany and Poland Build First Renewable Cross-Border District Heating System

Why It Matters

It shows how cross‑border collaboration can decarbonise district heating, offering a replicable model for European cities facing strict climate targets.

Key Takeaways

• First renewable cross‑border district heating system in Europe
• 15 MW heat capacity bidirectional via sewage plant hub
• Mix of heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal, power‑to‑heat
• Cuts CO₂ emissions by ~50,000 t annually
• Supports climate‑neutral heat target by 2030

Pulse Analysis

District heating remains a cornerstone of urban energy supply across Europe, yet the sector is one of the largest emitters of CO₂ due to reliance on fossil‑fuel boilers. EU climate legislation and national net‑zero pledges are pushing utilities to replace legacy plants with low‑carbon alternatives. The challenge lies in integrating variable renewable technologies while maintaining the reliability that consumers expect. United Heat illustrates how a diversified energy mix—heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal, and power‑to‑heat—can meet demand without sacrificing stability, and it leverages existing sewage‑treatment infrastructure to serve as a flexible heat hub.

The United Heat project connects Görlitz and Zgorzelec via a 3.8 km pipeline, extending an additional 12 km to integrate previously separate German networks. Managed jointly by Stadtwerke Görlitz (Veolia) and SEC Zgorzelec (E.ON), with Drees & Sommer overseeing project execution, the system can transport up to 15 MW of thermal energy in either direction, depending on supply conditions. By phasing out gas‑fired combined heat and power in Görlitz and coal‑based heating in Zgorzelec, the initiative is projected to cut roughly 50,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year. The inclusion of pit thermal storage and waste heat from sewage gas further smooths supply fluctuations, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to energy balancing.

Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, United Heat sets a precedent for transnational energy cooperation. The project’s success could unlock new financing models, as EU funds increasingly favor cross‑border sustainability initiatives. Utilities observing the venture may replicate its governance structure—shared ownership, joint project management, and integrated control systems—to accelerate heat transition across other border regions. As cities race toward 2030 climate‑neutral heating targets, the United Heat blueprint offers a tangible pathway to scale renewable district heating while delivering economic and regulatory certainty for investors and policymakers alike.