Published

2 years ago

December 26, 2023

Alice Rush

Renewable Energy

Wind Energy

4 minutes read

Alta Wind Energy Center

The Alta Wind Energy Center is a large-scale wind energy project located in Kern County, California, in the United States.

The project is one of the largest wind energy developments in the world, with a total installed capacity of 1,550 megawatts (MW).

The Alta Wind Energy Center is comprised of several wind farms located in the Tehachapi Pass, an area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that is known for its strong and consistent winds. The project was initiated in 2006 by the US-based energy company, Terra-Gen Power, with the goal of increasing the use of renewable energy in California and reducing the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

History of the Alta Wind Energy Center

The Alta Wind Energy Center project was first proposed in 2006 by Terra-Gen Power. The project aimed to take advantage of the strong and consistent winds in the Tehachapi Pass to generate clean and renewable energy. The project was initially planned to have a total installed capacity of 1,500 MW, but it was later expanded to 1,550 MW.

Construction of the Alta Wind Energy Center began in 2010 and was completed in 2013. The project faced several challenges during its construction, including land acquisition issues, transmission constraints, and environmental concerns. However, the project was ultimately successful in addressing these challenges and completing the construction of one of the largest wind energy developments in the world.

Significance of the Alta Wind Energy Center

The Alta Wind Energy Center is significant in several ways. First, it is one of the largest wind energy projects in the world, with a total installed capacity of 1,550 MW. The project generates enough clean energy to power more than 450,000 homes in California, reducing the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Second, the Alta Wind Energy Center is an important component of California’s renewable energy mix. The state has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, and the Alta Wind Energy Center is helping to meet those targets.

Third, the Alta Wind Energy Center has created jobs and stimulated economic growth in the region. The project has created jobs in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the wind farms, as well as in the manufacturing of wind turbines and other equipment.

Impact of the Alta Wind Energy Center on the Wind Energy Industry

The Alta Wind Energy Center has had a significant impact on the wind energy industry in California and the United States. The project has demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale wind energy developments, encouraging the development of similar projects in other regions of the country.

The project has also contributed to the growth of the wind energy industry in California. The state is home to several other large-scale wind energy projects, and the development of the Alta Wind Energy Center has helped to create a favorable environment for the growth of the industry.

Furthermore, the Alta Wind Energy Center has contributed to the development of advanced wind turbine technology. The project has utilized some of the largest and most advanced wind turbines in the world, which have helped to increase the efficiency and reliability of wind energy generation.

Alta Wind Energy Center International financing and investment

The Alta Wind Energy Center, located in Kern County, California, has been a major recipient of international financing and investment. The project, which is one of the largest wind energy developments in the world, has attracted significant investment from a variety of sources, including private equity firms, institutional investors, and multinational corporations.

International Financing:

One of the primary sources of international financing for the Alta Wind Energy Center has been the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). EXIM has provided significant financing for the project, including a $646 million loan guarantee in 2010, which was the largest single transaction in the bank’s history at the time.

In addition to EXIM, other international organizations have also provided financing for the Alta Wind Energy Center. The European Investment Bank (EIB), for example, provided a $200 million loan for the project in 2010, which was the bank’s first investment in a US wind energy project.

Private Equity and Institutional Investment:

The Alta Wind Energy Center has also attracted significant investment from private equity firms and institutional investors. Terra-Gen Power, the developer of the project, is majority-owned by the private equity firm, Energy Capital Partners. Energy Capital Partners has invested over $1 billion in the project and has played a significant role in its development.

Other institutional investors, such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, have also invested in the Alta Wind Energy Center. The project’s stable returns and long-term contracts with utility companies have made it an attractive investment for these types of investors.

Multinational Corporations:

Multinational corporations have also played a role in financing the Alta Wind Energy Center. In 2011, Google announced that it had invested $55 million in the project, marking the company’s first direct investment in a renewable energy project. Google’s investment helped to secure financing for the project and provided a strong signal to other investors that renewable energy projects could be profitable.

In 2013, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Energy acquired a 579 MW portfolio of wind and solar projects from Terra-Gen Power, including several wind farms within the Alta Wind Energy Center. Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s acquisition was part of a larger strategy to increase the company’s investment in renewable energy projects.

Alta Wind Energy Center contribution

The Alta Wind Energy Center, located in Kern County, California, has made significant contributions to the development of renewable energy in the United States. The project, which consists of several wind farms, has a total capacity of 1,548 megawatts (MW) and is one of the largest wind energy developments in the world.

The Alta Wind Energy Center has made several contributions to the renewable energy industry in the United States, including:

Providing Clean Energy: The Alta Wind Energy Center generates clean and renewable energy, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The project has the capacity to power approximately 450,000 homes and businesses, reducing the need for electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Boosting the Local Economy: The development and operation of the Alta Wind Energy Center have provided significant economic benefits to the local community in Kern County. The project has created jobs during the construction and operation phases and has contributed to the growth of the local economy.

Encouraging Innovation: The development of the Alta Wind Energy Center has encouraged innovation in the wind energy industry. The project has helped to demonstrate the viability of large-scale wind energy developments and has encouraged the development of new technologies and approaches to wind energy production.

Strengthening Energy Security: The Alta Wind Energy Center helps to strengthen the energy security of California and the United States by providing a reliable source of renewable energy. The project reduces dependence on imported energy sources and helps to ensure that energy supplies are available during times of high demand.

Encouraging Investment: The success of the Alta Wind Energy Center has helped to encourage investment in the renewable energy industry in the United States. The project has demonstrated that large-scale wind energy developments can be profitable and has helped to attract investment from a variety of sources, including international organizations, private equity firms, institutional investors, and multinational corporations.

In addition to these contributions, the Alta Wind Energy Center has also helped to drive down the cost of wind energy production in the United States. As the project has grown in size and scale, the cost of producing wind energy has decreased, making it a more competitive source of energy compared to traditional fossil fuels.

The Alta Wind Energy Center has made significant contributions to the renewable energy industry in the United States. The project has provided clean energy, boosted the local economy, encouraged innovation, strengthened energy security, and encouraged investment in the renewable energy industry.

The success of the Alta Wind Energy Center has helped to demonstrate the viability of large-scale wind energy developments and has encouraged the growth of the wind energy industry in the United States and around the world. As the renewable energy industry continues to grow, projects like the Alta Wind Energy Center will play an important role in providing clean and sustainable energy for generations to come.

Conclusion Alta Wind Energy Center Overview

The Alta Wind Energy Center is one of the largest wind energy projects in the world, with a total installed capacity of 1,550 MW.

The project is significant in several ways, including its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stimulating economic growth in the region, and encouraging the growth of the wind energy industry in California and the United States.

The Alta Wind Energy Center has had a significant impact on the wind energy industry, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale wind energy developments and contributing to the development of advanced wind turbine technology. The success of the project has helped to create a favorable environment for the growth of the wind energy industry, which is playing a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner and more

The Alta Wind Energy Center has attracted significant international financing and investment, reflecting the project’s importance as one of the largest wind energy developments in the world. The project has received financing from a variety of sources, including international organizations, private equity firms, institutional investors, and multinational corporations.

The financing and investment in the Alta Wind Energy Center has helped to make the project a success, contributing to the development of a significant source of clean and renewable energy in California. The project’s success has also helped to demonstrate the viability of large-scale wind energy developments and has encouraged the growth of the wind energy industry in the United States and around the world.

https://www.exaputra.com/2023/04/alta-wind-energy-center-overview.html

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Before Trump, “Contempt of Court” Used to Be a Big Deal

Published

16 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.

Before Trump, “Contempt of Court” Used to Be a Big Deal

Renewable Energy

How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade?

Published

22 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.

However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.

But what are the main issues?

Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.

That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!

By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.

This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.

So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.

In this blog post:

Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!

From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.

Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.

Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:

In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs.
The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options.
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.

Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path

It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.

So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:

Choosing the right system

For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:

One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units

One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and

One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.

Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.

However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.

Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater

As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.

This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.

Installation Process & Timing Period

Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.

The quote needs to be accepted and dated.

Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance.

The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping.

The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.

The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.

Choosing efficiency over just cooling

Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.

Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.

At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:

“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”

Out-of-pocket and rebate

Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.

In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.

The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.

So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.

How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.

Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.

So, to qualify under the VEU program:

The property must be more than two years old.
The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.

How the Rebate Works

In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.

After installation:

The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.

The homeowner simply has to:

Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.

The Result

The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.

Why is the VEU rebate significant?

Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:

On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.

Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.

Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.

Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!

Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.

Before Adding Air Conditioning System

Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620.
In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300.
Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920

After Adding the Air Conditioning System

Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.

Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.

In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180.
So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.

Net Savings

Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.

At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.

However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.

This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.

Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program

Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.

Don’t wait until your system dies.

Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.

Choose a provider who handles the rebates.

Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.

Understand the actual savings potential.

It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.

Ensure proper sizing and zone control.

As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.

Factor in non-energy benefits.

Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.

Check the accreditation and compliance.

With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.

So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.

Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.

This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.

Monitor your bills after installation.

Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.

Be realistic about pay-back

Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).

However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.

Final Notes

This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.

This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.

The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.

This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:

Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.

So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!

Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.

How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade?

Renewable Energy

Air Power

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.

“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.

Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.

If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.