Published

1 year ago

July 1, 2024

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Masdar Acquires Terna, Nissens Moves Production Out of EU, JSW Steel Upgrades Texas Facility

Masdar acquires Greece’s Terna Energy for 2.4 billion euros, eyeing further European renewable energy investments. Nissens Cooling Solutions relocates production from Europe to Eastern Europe and China due to economic pressures, highlighting EU industry challenges. JSW Steel USA invests $110 million in Texas facilities to support U.S. offshore wind development, leveraging Inflation Reduction Act incentives.

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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 Intel store, 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.

Masdar has announced plans to acquire Greece’s Tera Energy. The deal, valued at 2. 4 billion euros, marks the largest energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange. Master will initially acquire 67 percent of Terna Energy shares with the intention to reach 100 percent ownership through a subsequent all cash tender offer.

This acquisition is expected to significantly boost Greece’s renewable energy capacity and contribute to the EU’s net zero carbon footprint. By 2050 target. All right, Phil. Masdar’s back at it again.

Philip Totaro: Well, and this starts off a campaign of theirs to invest in properties in Europe. Terna Energy’s got wind a little bit of solar, a little bit of hydro, and a little bit of biomass. It’s about 1. 2 gigawatts worth of wind at this point, but a six gigawatt renewables portfolio that they actually want to install. So this is going to provide them with, the capital that they need to be able to pursue that. But Mazda looks like they’re not done. They’ve come out in the financial times and publicly stated that they’re looking for other investment vehicles in Europe.

And it sounds like there are some in. Germany and possibly Finland, Sweden maybe Holland as well, that, that they could they could gobble up here as, as they look to expand.

Allen Hall: Danish wind supplier Nissens Cooling Solutions has decided to move all its production abroad to reduce costs. The company, which produces cooling solutions for a major European wind turbine manufacturers, will relocate its production to existing facilities in Slovakia.

the Czech Republic and China throughout 2024. The decision comes in response to difficult market conditions, including geopolitical tensions affecting order timing and supply chains, as well as fluctuating material and energy costs. Phil, inflation is a big deal in Europe still, it is still causing major upset in the supply chain.

We’ve seen a couple of other companies move out of essentially Europe into Eastern Europe and into China because of similar issues. This is just continuing for months now. Is Nissens still on the leading edge of this movement, or are there more to come behind them?

Philip Totaro: It’s entirely possible there’s more to come, because, as you mentioned, inflation is part of it.

It’s really the lack of support that the industry’s been given by The EU government and then the individual countries themselves, Denmark can’t, step in and save every single company just like we see with Spain not being able to step in really and do anything for Siemens Gamesa either.

So this is a trend that is likely to continue happening as companies look to reduce their overhead and labor costs. That’s really the only reason you move to Eastern Europe and China especially. And it’s, it’s a pity because the, this has been talked about as an issue for a long time. And it feels like rather than addressing the substantive issue, the European Commission is trying to focus on these things in their, their, EU Green Deal that don’t have anything to do with addressing the, the financial viability of their domestic companies.

It’s all about, let’s keep Chinese companies out of Europe. And, and that’s not going to really solve the problem for profitability for These companies like Nissens that are going to continue to facing profit challenges where they’ve got high operating costs under the EU umbrella.

Joel Saxum: This is an interesting one as well, because this is what the EU has been like what they put forth for the EU wind power package back in October of 2023.

Those two initiatives is the European wind power action plan and communication and achieving their, some of the EU’s wind ambitions. Transcribed One of the goals of this is to keep as much manufacturing and control of that manufacturing within the EU. And this week you actually see a lot of executives over in the EU traveling for wind Europe board meetings.

And in their board meetings, this is one of the topics that was coming up. This is what they’re trying to make sure that they’re. Making as most moves on as they can. Right on the tail end of another company, another supplier for the wind industry moving operations. To the eastern part of Europe and to China.

That’s not a good look.

Allen Hall: JSW Steel USA, a subsidiary of India’s JSW Steel, has announced an investment of 110 million to upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Baytown, Texas. The investment will focus on steel plate mill modernization projects, aiming to facilitate goals and expand offshore wind energy technology.

To 30 gigawatts by 2030. The investment aligns with buy America requirements and will produce steel for offshore wind towers, platforms, and hydrocarbon pipelines. Joel, this is in your neck of the woods, 110 million into a steel factory in Texas is a major deal.

Joel Saxum: Yeah, Baytown is one of those old school, has been for a long time, oil and gas, chemical, industrial towns, right?

It’s, Baytown is, if you’re coming up from the Gulf and you’re heading up towards Houston, past Galveston and the Straits there, Baytown is right on the water. So they have the cape of the, one of the reasons that it’s a great spot for heavy industrial is you can offload and onload things from heavy trucks and from ships right there.

Right. So they can have little port facilities. One of the things that’s going on, like the offshore wind, yes, you have tubular monopiles and transition pieces and stuff, but the biggest part Piece that goes in the water in a wind farm is the offshore substation. Offshore substation expertise, Texas.

You’re looking at the Gulf coast, right? So all this, all this steel plate, this milling machinery, everything can be, is going to bolster that ability to use the steel for offshore wind as mills, as well as other things. This same materials can be used in shipbuilding like the Eco Edison that just set sail is a couple of hundred miles down the coast from there.

The substation for South Fork was built in Texas as well. So, as this trend continues, you’ll see more. It’s a good move on JSW steel.

Philip Totaro: And keep in mind, this is exactly what the IRA bill particularly the manufacturing tax credits, was meant to inspire, is foreign companies who, this company being JSW, being from India, would face import duties on any steel or fabricated products that they brought into the U.

S. So, by increasing the domestic production in the United States, they’re going to be able to avail themselves of the 45 X manufacturing tax credits. And they’re going to have this domestic content bonus for the project developers who are going to be using these foundations and potentially again, towers, transition pieces, anything that they’re going to be capable of making at this facility.

The other thing that it does is it gives us the opportunity to start getting more large capacity. Fabrication equipment in the U. S. Investments like this are going to be able to help with getting, these bigger turbines fabricated and making us less dependent on Europe or China to import a lot of that technology.

So, this is, again, exactly what the IRA Bill was, was meant to inspire.

https://weatherguardwind.com/masdar-terna-nissens-europe-jsw-steel-texas/

Renewable Energy

The Role of Solar Energy in Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Plan

Published

11 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Australia is already well known for its abundant sunshine, wide-open skies, and vast landscapes. But these natural assets offer more than just natural beauty or adventure; they are the key to building a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Just imagine waking up in a home powered entirely by the sun; it’s reliable, affordable, and emission-free. Even your car runs on solar power, producing no carbon emissions while driving through a world transformed by renewable energy.

As climate change intensifies and the world races to decarbonize, Australia has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

So, What Is Net Zero by 2050 for Australia? How do we get there? The answer is shining right above us.

With clean energy technologies advancing rapidly and fossil fuels losing their popularity, Australia is beginning to harness its most powerful and abundant resource.

From the rooftop solar panels to massive solar farms across the outback, the country is transforming sunshine into a foundation of its energy transition.

Curious to find out how?

Let’s explore the vital role of solar energy in Australia’s Net Zero 2050 journey plan and why the future might be brighter than we think.

In this blog post:

Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Vision: A Quick Recap!

Australia gets more solar radiation than almost any other continent on Earth. In fact, if just 0.1% of Australia’s sunlight were harnessed effectively, it could meet the country’s entire electricity demand.

So, as the climate clock ticks louder, the country thought the timing couldn’t be better for transitioning into its cleanest solar solution.

With that in mind, in October 2021, the Australian government officially committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the Paris Agreement.

In the year, the country’s plan consists of a mix of renewable energy expansion, technological innovation, and low-emissions industrial solutions, and a lot of other strategic planning.

Throughout the entire time, pinning it all under the fundamental truth that renewables must lead the charge, and solar energy is the most valuable player in this field.

5 National Priorities for a Low-Emissions Future

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the five decarbonization priorities specifically for Australia, aligned with
the country’s economic structure, emissions profile, and climate commitments.

So, here are the five main areas that the government focuses on for a faster transition to net zero:

Clean electricity across the economy.
Lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency.
Expanding clean fuel use.
Accelerating new technologies.
Net carbon removals scaled up.

Let’s have some more details on individual targets essential to achieving the renewable
target of net-zero emissions and addressing climate change:

1. Clean Energy Transition

In most parts of Australia, fossil fuels still dominate and fulfil the energy needs of its residents. Therefore, the
government plans to phase out fossil fuels, increasing the adoption of renewable energy
sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc.

Actions Requires:

Decommission coal-fired power plants.
Invest more in renewable energy infrastructure.
Modernize electricity grids to handle variable renewables.

2. Lower Emissions: Electrification of Transport

Data from some recent surveys indicate that transportation is the third largest emitter, which alone accounts for 22% of Australia’s total emissions.

So, the replacement of internal combustion engines with electric alternatives, such as solar cars, has become a must
for the country’s residents.

Actions Requires:

Promote adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Expand EV
charging
Invest in electric public transport and rail.

3. Energy Efficiency & Demand Reduction

Still today, Australia has comparatively poor energy efficiency in buildings and appliances. Therefore, residents are
finding new ways of using less energy to achieve the same or better outcomes from solar energy.

Actions Requires:

Retrofit buildings for energy
efficiency.
Implement energy standards for appliances and industries.
Encourage behavioral change in consumption patterns.

4. Accelerating new technologies| Industrial Decarbonization

In Australia, commercial buildings and industries are also the major emitters of carbon and other greenhouse gases.
So, reducing emissions from these commercial sectors has become more urgent.

Actions Requires:

Accelerate the use of green hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock.
Develop carbon capture, usage, and storage for industrial processes.
Establish low-carbon manufacturing methods.

5. Nature-Based Solutions & Carbon Removal

Land use, forestry, and agriculture contribute significantly to emissions, but also offer opportunities if
appropriately utilized.

Actions Requires:

Expand and better regulate carbon farming under the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) scheme.
Reforest degraded lands and protect native ecosystems.

Support regenerative agriculture and soil carbon initiatives.

Rooftop Solar in Australia: Revolution Starts from Your Homes!

Think of a sunny Australian afternoon, you have your solar panels
installed on your rooftop, producing more electricity than a coal plant. Well, this might sound
surreal, but this is the fact that’s happening today.

As of 2025, over 3.5 million Australian homes have rooftop solar installed, the highest adoption rate worldwide. That
means one in every three households is generating clean, renewable energy from the sun, powering about 15% of
the nation’s electricity.

And it’s not just rooftops; large-scale solar farms are also pumping out gigawatts of clean electricity daily,
accelerating Australia’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Government Moves Accelerating the Solar Shift: 6 Key Areas to Focus!

Besides the Net Zero Plan, the government announced six sectoral plans to accelerate the shift.

Let’s have a look at the table below, which summarizes everything for your better understanding:

Sector Plan	Why It Matters	Core Focus Areas
Electricity / Energy Sector	Adopting clean, renewable energy is essential to achieving net-zero goals. Additionally, the smart grid is crucial to delivering low-carbon power and accelerating renewable energy growth.	Grid modernization & flexibility (smart grid, demand response, storage)
		Transmission & distribution upgrades
		Prioritizing grid access
		Investment & incentives for solar energy and large-scale solar farms
		Regulatory reform, such as feed-in tariffs, net metering, etc.
		Supporting the financing options, such as green banks and public investment.
Built Environment (Buildings & Infrastructure)	Switching to electric power and improving energy efficiency in homes, neighbourhoods, and workplaces can make a huge difference.	Requires upgrades, making buildings more energy efficient, and offering better insulation.
	Electrification reduces energy consumption and bills while making living spaces more comfortable and better.	Adding a solar panel system on the roof and facade of new or existing buildings
		Offer government incentives or rules to encourage the installation of solar panels with batteries
		Integration of building management systems & smart appliances

Transport Sector	Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions globally. This sector plan targets reducing emissions by promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding EV charging infrastructure.	Accelerate deployment of EV charging infrastructure.
		Develop policies encouraging EV uptake, like subsidies and rewards
		Integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or managed charging
		Promoting the use of electrified public transport.
		For sectors that are hard to electrify, like aviation and shipping, explore e-fuels, hydrogen, and other sustainable fuels.
Industry & Manufacturing	In Australia, the industry uses a lot of energy and produces carbon emissions. So, the challenge is cutting emissions while keeping industries competitive.	The focus is on cleaner tech like carbon capture, electrification
		Offering Incentives and support for the electrification of industrial heat pumps and electric boilers.
		Promote green or solar-based manufacturing, like solar panels, batteries, and inverter production.
		Perform efficiency audits and process optimization
		Ensure clean innovation and support R&D funding


Agriculture, Land Use & Nature	Agriculture and land use can emit or absorb greenhouse gases. Hence, this plan supports sustainable agriculture, better livestock practices, tree planting, and soil carbon storage, while protecting nature and biodiversity.	Focusing on agro-solar or agrivoltaics, where we can benefit from dual land use.
		Increase Incentives for carbon farming and soil carbon enhancement.
		Promote reforestation, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration.
		Ensure sustainable land management and avoid deforestation.
		Nature-based carbon removals and carbon markets
Policy Waste Management & Resources	Waste and resource use can highly impact emissions. The Australian government plans to cut waste, boost recycling, and support a circular economy where products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled rather than discarded.	Waste reduction programs cut waste through smart design, reuse, and sustainable choices.

		Recycling & recovery increase recycling and restore useful materials.

		Composting organic waste to reduce methane from food and garden waste.

		Keep materials in use through reuse and repair, creating a circular economy.

		Reduce landfill use and capture methane.

		Promote responsible consumption and disposal habits by educating people.

How Cyanergy is Contributing to Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Plan?

Cyanergy is actively contributing to Australia’s Net Zero 2050 plan by providing integrated energy solutions that enhance energy efficiency, offering scalable renewable energy solutions to individuals, businesses, and communities.

We support the transition to sustainable energy sources with solar energy, making our planet future-ready.

Here’s how Cyanergy is making an impact in Australia:

1. Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption

Cyanergy’s solar installations and battery storage systems help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For example:

In New South Wales, residents can access rebates up to $3,200 through the NSW Solar PDRS scheme,
promoting widespread adoption of solar energy.

2. Supporting Small and Medium Businesses

Through its partnership with Greener for Business, Cyanergy helps small businesses reduce their carbon footprint and
achieve sustainability goals.

This initiative is further supported by Australian Government incentives, such as Small-scale Technology Certificates
(STCs) under the Small-scale
Renewable Energy Scheme, which make renewable energy solutions more affordable and accessible.

3. Facilitating Access to Government Grants

Cyanergy assists businesses in securing up to $30,000 through NSW’s Net Zero Planning Grant.

This funding supports carbon emission measurement, reduction strategies, and expert guidance, supporting businesses
in their journey toward net-zero emissions.

4. Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Looking for energy-efficient upgrades for your property?

Cyanergy provides energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting, heat pumps, solar batteries, and electric air conditioners.

These upgrades help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national energy efficiency
goals.

5. Promoting Regional Sustainability

Through different Renewable Access Programs, Cyanergy collaborates with local communities to lower costs and increase
access to renewable energy in regional, off-grid areas.

This ensures equitable participation of its residents in Australia’s sustainability efforts.

6. Offering Educational Initiatives

Through our latest blog, Cyanergy educates the public on various aspects of
renewable energy, including the impact of renewable energy on healthcare, comparisons between solar and wind
energy, and strategies to support Australia’s renewable targets.

These resources help raise awareness and promote informed decision-making regarding energy choices.

By offering practical solutions and participating in educational initiatives, Cyanergy plays a significant role in
advancing Australia’s renewable energy objectives.

So what are you waiting for? Join Cyanergy today and talk with
our experts for any of your solar needs in Australia!

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post The Role of Solar Energy in Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Plan appeared first on Cyanergy.

The Role of Solar Energy in Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Plan

Renewable Energy

Gotta Watch Your Language Around the Kids

Published

11 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Funny stuff.

Gotta Watch Your Language Around the Kids

Renewable Energy

Run-of-River Hydro — Just When You Thought You’d Seen it All

Published

11 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

For some reason, people post a great deal of pure bullshit on social media on the subject of renewable energy.

Some of it requires some level of knowledge of the subject to figure out, but not the one at left, where the turbines are oriented at right angles to the flow of the river!