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7 countries in Europe with the best implementation of sustainability

Implementation of sustainability in Europe

Europe has been a leader in implementing sustainability practices and policies, which have been driven by both governmental and non-governmental efforts. Some examples of how sustainability has been implemented in Europe include:

Renewable energy: Many countries in Europe have made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. For example, countries like Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have invested heavily in wind power, while countries like Spain and Italy have focused on solar power.

Sustainable transportation: European countries have implemented a range of sustainable transportation options, including bike-sharing programs, electric vehicles, and public transportation systems. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have some of the most bike-friendly infrastructure in the world.

Sustainable agriculture: Europe has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture practices, with many countries promoting organic farming and reducing the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Circular economy: The concept of a circular economy, which aims to eliminate waste by reusing and recycling materials, has gained significant traction in Europe. The European Union has developed a Circular Economy Action Plan, which includes measures such as reducing waste and promoting the use of recyclable materials.

Sustainable building practices: European countries have implemented sustainable building practices that focus on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. For example, Germany has introduced passive house standards that require buildings to be highly insulated and airtight.

Sustainable tourism: Many European countries have developed sustainable tourism practices that aim to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. This includes promoting eco-tourism, responsible tourism, and sustainable travel options.

Europe has made significant progress in implementing sustainability practices across various sectors. However, there is still much work to be done, and continued efforts are needed to ensure a sustainable future for the continent and the planet.

Countries in Europe that are leading the way in implementing sustainability

Here are 7 countries in Europe that are leading the way in implementing sustainability practices:

Sweden

Sweden is often cited as one of the most sustainable countries in the world. It has a goal to be fossil fuel-free by 2040 and has invested heavily in renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower. Sweden also has a strong recycling culture, with over 99% of household waste being recycled or reused.

Denmark

Denmark is another leader in renewable energy, with wind power accounting for more than 40% of its total electricity generation. The country has also implemented sustainable transportation options, including a comprehensive bike-sharing program and electric buses.

Finland

Finland has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2035, and it has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions from transportation and industry. The country also has a thriving circular economy, with a focus on recycling and reducing waste.

Germany

Germany has been a leader in renewable energy for many years, with a significant portion of its energy coming from wind and solar power. The country also has strict building codes that promote energy efficiency and a thriving sustainable transportation network.

Switzerland

Switzerland has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including a strong recycling culture and investment in renewable energy. The country also has strict regulations on building standards and energy consumption.

Norway

Norway has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions from transportation, with a focus on electric vehicles and public transportation. The country also has a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has invested heavily in sustainable transportation, including a comprehensive network of bike lanes and electric trains. The country also has a strong commitment to renewable energy, with wind power accounting for a significant portion of its electricity generation.

These countries are leaders in implementing sustainability practices and policies, with a focus on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and reducing carbon emissions. However, it’s important to note that sustainability is an ongoing process, and these countries, like all others, still have work to do to ensure a sustainable future for their citizens and the planet.

Parameter

Parameter to choose seven countries in Europe with the best implementation of sustainability

Choosing the top 7 countries in Europe with the best implementation of sustainability can depend on various parameters. 

Some of the parameters that can be considered are:

Renewable energy usage: Countries that have a high percentage of renewable energy usage such as wind, solar, and hydropower can be considered as sustainable.

Carbon emissions reduction: Countries that have made significant efforts in reducing their carbon emissions through policies, programs, and initiatives can be considered as sustainable.

Sustainable transportation: Countries that have a well-developed sustainable transportation system, including public transportation and cycling infrastructure, can be considered as sustainable.

Waste management: Countries that have implemented sustainable waste management practices such as recycling and waste reduction can be considered as sustainable.

Environmental protection: Countries that have implemented policies and initiatives to protect the environment, including preserving biodiversity and reducing pollution, can be considered as sustainable.

Sustainable tourism: Countries that have implemented sustainable tourism practices that minimize the negative impact on the environment can be considered as sustainable.

Green building: Countries that have implemented policies and initiatives to promote green buildings and energy-efficient construction can be considered as sustainable.

Conclusion

Conclusion of 7 countries in Europe with the best implementation of sustainability

There are many countries in Europe that are making significant progress in implementing sustainable practices and policies. Based on various parameters, the top 7 countries in Europe with the best implementation of sustainability are Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Netherlands.

These countries have made significant investments in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and green building. Their efforts have resulted in reduced carbon emissions, improved air and water quality, and a better quality of life for their citizens.

However, it’s important to note that sustainability is an ongoing process, and these countries, like all others, still have work to do to ensure a sustainable future for their citizens and the planet. It’s important for all countries to prioritize sustainability and work together towards a more sustainable future.

https://www.exaputra.com/2023/03/7-countries-in-europe-with-best.html

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

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ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action. 

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

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ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

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Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff. 

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes! 

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems. 

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.  

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia? 

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.  

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective. 

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.  

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage. 

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.  

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day. 

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.  

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar. 

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint 

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there! 

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.  

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery: 

  1. Energy Independence 
  2. Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the  Australian energy market. 

  3. Maximized Savings  
  4. Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability. 

  5. Better Return on Investment ROI 
  6. Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates 

    Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.  

  7. Lower Carbon Footprint 
  8. Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%. 

    These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.  

  9. Peace of Mind 
  10. Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.  

    Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind. 

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone. 

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.  

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question. 

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.  

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things: 

  1. Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day. 

  1. Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting. 

  1. Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid. 

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!  

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help! 

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.  

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here. 

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system. 

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.  

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage. 

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.  

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process. 

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage 

  • Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining. 
  • You don’t have to care about power outages anymore 
  • In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source 
  • Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak 
  • During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun. 
  • Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source. 

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system: 

  • Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.  
  • Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk. 

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage 

  • One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents. 
  • Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments. 
  • Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime. 
  • While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time. 
  • Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.   

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.  

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.  

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.  

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.  

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.  

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.  

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most. 

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030 

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia. 

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?  

Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!  

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

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Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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