Published

1 year ago

April 1, 2024

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Nordex Invests in Turkey, C.I.P. Invests in Philippines, Singapore Prepares for Energy Transition

Nordex invests $1.1B in Turkey’s wind industry, Singapore plans to invest $3.7B in clean energy transition, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners invests $1.9B in offshore wind farm in the Philippines.

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Allen Hall: I’m Allen Hall, president of Weather Guard Lightning Tech, and I’m here with the founder and CEO of IntelStor, Phil Totaro, and the chief commercial officer of Weather Guard, Joel Saxum, and this is your News Flash. News Flash is brought to you by our friends at IntelStor. If you want market intelligence that generates revenue, then book a demonstration of IntelStor at intelstor.com.

Spanish German Nordex Group plans investing a little over a billion dollars in Turkey in 2024. Turkey is seen as a major wind market due to its young population on short potential and strong supply chains. Turkey is taking the lead in the wind supply chain as an uptick. Alternative to Asia. So this is a sweet spot for Turkey at the moment, Phil, where they do have a strong workforce.

They do have a lot of internal capabilities and Nordex is picking up on that.

Philip Totaro: Exactly. And to the extent that they’ve already established themselves as a kind of a wind manufacturing hub you’ve got Enercon there, you’ve got Nordex already there, LM. And a couple other smaller players.

But you also have subcomponent suppliers there. ASCA is there as a material supplier for blades. So there’s a significant amount of opportunity. This investment represents largely project development activities is my understanding, but there will also be some factory expansion potential there as well as they look to expand Turkey as an export hub for for components and not just used in the domestic market, but also elsewhere throughout Europe.

Joel Saxum: To double down on talking about Nordex here, it was Wind Europe Bilbao last week, Nordex, it was, that, that show was the return of the OEMs. So you saw GE Vernova, Siemens Gamesa, Nordex, Enercon, everybody having their big booths again. To focus on this, Nordex had a, Fantastic, large booth, huge presence putting some of their new models out there.

They’re really pushing that Delta 4000 platform. So you can see that the Nordex group is spending a lot of money to expand their footprint and could be capitalizing a little bit of that Siemens Gamesa absence from the market in that 4X, 5X area as well.

Allen Hall: Singapore is setting up a 3. 7 billion future energy fund and investing in clean energy tech and infrastructure.

Singapore aims to move quickly on its infrastructure and invest in clean energy security as part of its goal to reach net zero by 2050. Currently, 95 percent of electricity is produced from natural gas in Singapore. So there is now a plan to import low carbon power from its neighbors, which will require Obviously, investments in submarine cables and the grid, Phil, with that kind of money being invested in Singapore, that’s going to bring a lot of clean tech to that area.

Philip Totaro: Absolutely. And they already have a lot of offshore wind capability that’s headquartered in Singapore, a lot of, vessel owners and operators, et cetera. So there’s an experience base there. To up to a point but it’s also interesting because, this is a big city state I would say country, but this is a city state led initiative on decarbonization.

And so that’s that’s an important thing is again, countries or city states in the case of Singapore wants to ensure kind of future compliance with any regulations or established protocols that come out of future cop meetings or things like that.

Always good to see. Anybody getting together a big pot of money and spending it on things that are desperately needed, like grid infrastructure and renewable power generation.

Joel Saxum: Yeah, if you look at Singapore as a city there’s a lot of, the financial world of the Asia Pacific.

Basically realm is based in there. So there’s a lot of money there. There’s a lot of smart people there. There is a large contingent of, like Phil said, from the maritime and shipping sector there. So there is the experience to operate offshore. There’s also the horsepower with some vessels and things in that area.

A lot of the other ones operating in that same theater could move right on, so you have some experience. I also do think that there could be a pretty good play here for some HVDC transmission. In the submarine cable side. I know there’s been talks of a possible line from Australia, northern Australia as well.

That is a long line. It could be there. But good on Singapore for making these moves. I know it’s a very interesting place to visit. If you haven’t gone, go. But looking to see some big things coming from that corner of the world.

Allen Hall: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is investing 1. 92 billion in a 650 megawatt offshore wind farm in northern Samar province in the Philippines. The wind farm is located across about six towns there. Construction is supposed to begin in Q1 of 2024. So really soon. Operations expected in late 2025. This is part of CIP’s expansion in Southeast Asia after a 1.

3 billion investment in Bangladesh. Wow. Southeast Asia is getting a lot of cash flow and renewable energy and they seem to be able to develop the projects faster than what’s happening in Europe and the United States.

Philip Totaro: Which is the key to all this. You’ve got high PPA prices from conventional power generation that they would be competing with, you’ve got easier time of permitting and you’ve got healthier financial returns that you can see.

So it’s really no surprise and it’s not just, this project in the Philippines you mentioned Thailand, Vietnam there are plenty of other Southeast Asian countries Indonesia as well. That are seeing a significant amount of interest in in renewables generation and project development.

Joel Saxum: Yeah, CIP is specifically well suited for doing. They’ve been operating in that same area for a while. They have experience in Taiwan and some other areas as well over there. Good team down in the area to be able to put these projects out and the capital behind them. More moves to make.

Allen Hall: InfraRed Capital Partners acquired a 60 percent stake in the 182 megawatt Brazos wind project in Texas and a 50 percent stake in a 180 megawatt Madison Field solar project in Ohio from Shell. Shell remains the asset and energy manager, of course. Brazos is currently undergoing a repower and is expected to generate power next year.

Sometime in the next couple of months Phil, when we see these sort of transactions happen to older facilities, Brazos Wind Farm has been around since 2001, 2002 and had Mitsubishi turbines, and now they’re upgrading them at the moment. Those are valuable assets to have. Can you explain why that is?

Philip Totaro: Yeah, sure. It’s because you’re leveraging pre existing electrical infrastructure that’s, the cables have already been laid in this case, because it was, these one megawatt Mitsubishi turbines, you’re necessarily going to have to recable for more modern, three, four, five megawatt units.

However lease agreements are already in place with the landowners. There, the, a lot of the Basically, you’re short cutting the development timeline.

Nordex Invests in Turkey, C.I.P. Invests in Philippines, Singapore Prepares for Energy Transition

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

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/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

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.

In this blog post:

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.

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

Energy Independence

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.

Maximized Savings

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.

Better Return on Investment ROI

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.

Lower Carbon Footprint

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.

Peace of Mind

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:

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.

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.

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?

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?

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?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

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.