In the heart of Europe, a cross-border initiative is proving that cooperation is key to effective decarbonisation. The city of Zgorzelec–Görlitz on the Polish–German border is building a new cross-border heating project built around sustainable biomass. The cities will turn a cross-border vision for sustainable heat into a reality.

A cross-border vision for sustainable heat

In November 2024, the consortium led by Unibep and Energika signed the agreement to begin the first stage of the initiative: the construction of a new biomass heating plant in Zgorzelec, part of the wider project “Integrated Network for Innovative Transformation and Decarbonisation of Heating (UNITED HEAT).” The is an example of Polish-German cooperation and is co-financed through the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The investment also secured 50% co-funding from the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment (CINEA), highlighting its strategic importance for regional decarbonisation.

The new plant will contain two identical 12.5 MW biomass boilers, supported by modern fuel-handling and emissions-purification systems, all delivered through a design-and-build model. But the technological upgrade is only part of the story. What makes this this project unique is its truly cross-border nature: once operational, the Zgorzelec facility will not only meet local heat needs but will also supply the district heating network of Görlitz-Königshufen, connected through a dedicated pipeline.

Zgorzelec & Görlitz saving CO2 emissions

This shared system has the potential to cut around 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year, supporting the energy transition for both cities. For residents on each side of the border, it means greater resilience and a model for how European cooperation can drive practical climate solutions. Zgorzelec & Görlitz are turning a cross-border vision for sustainable heat into a reality.