Three Days for the Energy Transition: From Goražde to Greifswald

As part of the 'Energy Transition Town Twinnings' project, the visit by the Goražde delegation to Greifswald vividly demonstrates how cross-border municipal cooperation can foster strong connections. Through expert presentations, heating plans and a panoramic view from a former landfill hill, an open and equal dialogue emerged, providing many ideas for a sustainable future.

The Goražde representatives travelled for over 32 hours in total (16 hours each way) to visit their partner city of Greifswald. Despite the long journey, the three days spent together once again demonstrated the significant value of this project, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Arrival and Exchange

After several online meetings, this was the first time that all the participants had met in person. Of particular note was the participation of Goražde’s mayor, Ernest Imamović, who attended the meeting with Greifswald’s lord mayor, Dr Stefan Fassbinder. The day concluded with a bilateral exchange, a harbour tour and a shared dinner.

Climate Protection & Heat Planning

The second day began at 08:30 at Greifswald’s city administration, where Deputy Mayor Achim Lerm welcomed the group. This was followed by an in-depth look at the city's climate protection initiatives and 'regenerative energy supply' for single- and two-family homes. Dr.-Ing. Dorian Holz from Theta Concepts presented technical solutions for heat supply, district heating expansion and heat pumps, and explained their role in decarbonisation.

Visit to the Former Landfill Site

Another item on the agenda was the former landfill site, which was operational for 30 years until its closure in 1996. Since then, it has been recultivated and equipped with a surface sealing system. In the past, methane gas from the site was used to generate electricity, though today the quantity is too small. Initial ideas for its future use were presented.

Greifswald Utilities & Helmshäger Berg Energy Park

On the final day, the guests visited Greifswald’s public utility company. Managing Director Thomas Prauße, Nils Patzenhauer and Berit Müller (from DGS Berlin) presented current renewable energy projects and discussed the heat transition. Afterwards, the delegation visited the Helmshäger Berg Energy Park, home to Germany’s largest ground-mounted solar thermal plant (18,732 m², with an annual thermal yield of approx. 8.1 GWh), as well as a large-scale heat pump, power-to-heat system and heat storage facility.

Dialogue on Equal Terms

The exchange showed that personal dialogue strengthens mutual understanding and builds trust. New perspectives were opened up, not just in technical areas, but also through shared personal experiences. Plans are already underway for a return visit to Goražde in August — a promising next step on our shared path to a sustainable future.