Published

10 months ago

January 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Ørsted Pays $1.7B For Sunrise Delays, Aviva Invests in CIC

In this News Flash, Ørsted pays $1.7B for delays and increased costs at their Sunrise Wind project, Aviva Investors invests €40 million in CIC, and Vibra acquires Comer Energia.

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Welcome to Uptime News Flash. Industry news, lightning fast. Your hosts, Allen Hall, Joel Saxum, and Phil Totaro, discuss the latest deals, mergers, and alliances that will shape the future of wind power. News Flash is brought to you by IntelStor. For market intelligence that generates revenue, visit www.intelstor.com.

Allen Hall: Well, starting off the week, Orsted has announced a significant setback, posting a 1. 7 billion dollar impairment charge for the fourth quarter of 2024 due to delays and increased costs at a Sunrise Wind Project near New York. The 924 megawatt project, located about 30 miles east of Montauk, around Long Island, faces construction challenges, particularly with monopile foundations.

Despite these difficulties, Orsted’s CEO, Mad Snipper, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the U. S. market, though project completion has been pushed towards the second half of 2027, Phil. This is a big deal for Orsted. Orsted has been really profitable and a strong company for a long time, but these American projects are a real drag on their bottom line.

Phil Totaro: Absolutely. And I think they’re, they’re keen to get through all these things as quickly as they possibly can and, and also get to a point where they can, you know, have the project mature enough, either in construction or operation, where they can actually get an investor in. Which is what their original plan was with a lot of the utility companies in you know, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York, I suppose with some of the proposed projects.

And, and a lot of those utilities decided, you know what, not for us, taking too long, costing too much, and just not our cup of tea. So the quicker they can get this sunrise project done and move on to potentially others because they still have revolution that they’re trying to build as well. So

Joel Saxum: you

Phil Totaro: know, the quicker the better.

Joel Saxum: Frustrating thing here, I think on this project from someone who’s been watching these in my seat for a long time and knowing what the soil characteristics are out there. These things, these studies have been going on since 2016, 2017 on what the soil conditions are that these monopiles are gonna be driven into.

This should not be a problem they’re running into now. Now we know that there’s been a, it’s a weird. It’s like this quick, sandy, odd soil. We know that, but we’ve known it for like eight years. So, they should have come up with a solution for this beforehand. This shouldn’t be an impairment that they’re taking right now.

But, they are, and it’s reality. So, they’ll have to push through it

Allen Hall: to get this thing built in 2027. UK based Aviva Investors has made a 40 million euro investment in CIC, a German renewable energy developer focusing on northern and central Europe. Now, CIC specializes in onshore wind and solar projects, particularly in Poland and Sweden, and currently manages about one gigawatt’s worth of projects in various development stages.

Now, Phil, I know Northern Europe is making a big push at the minute to get invested into renewables altogether to get away from some of the natural gas problems that they have. This is another move by a strong player.

Phil Totaro: Well, and it’s a move by another UK investor into continental Europe. So this is follows on from, you know, moves by Brookfield that’s, you know, acquired some UK and, and European based companies and assets.

Octopus has made similar moves. Aviva being another, you know, UK investment management company is You know, they already own a small portfolio of, of projects and assets in the UK and Northern Ireland, and this is giving them the opportunity to branch out into continental Europe where, you know, as you said, the, the demand is really driving some of the growth.

And the good news, I guess, in Germany is that there’s been a significant amount of permitting through the end of 2024 that should give them a pretty decent build out pipeline for 2025 and, and beyond. So good timing and good move by Aviva.

Joel Saxum: Yeah, Aviva looking into, or helping out CIC here and looking into Poland and Sweden.

So Poland is, you know, an emerging market that has seen a lot of movement. Sweden is a market that’s growing fast, right? So one of the, some of the largest wind farms in Northern Europe all being built in Sweden. So there’s, this is a, it’s a play from Aviva. And most of the time when we talk on Newsflash about money going into things, it’s money for a big investment, for a pipeline, for development or something.

But when you look at 40 million euros, that’s not for a project. That’s to bolster the team. That’s to get the company healthy and support them in growth. And I’d like to see

Allen Hall: that. Down in beautiful Brazil, Brazil’s largest fuel and lubricant distributor, Vibra, has completed a strategic acquisition of Comer Energia, adding 2.

1 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity to its portfolio. The deal positions Vibra as Brazil’s largest multi energy platform and includes eight large scale solar parks, totaling 1. 5 gigawatts. Three wind farms with 280 megawatts of capacity and over 95 distributed solar plants. Phil, Lula in Brazil is a big proponent of renewable energy and is putting some limitations on the petroleum business.

It makes sense for Vibra, which has been in the petroleum business for a while, to take Get into renewables also.

Phil Totaro: And, and at this point, since they’re not doing a ton of new build on wind and even though they just approved offshore build out down there, that’s still a decade away from actually happening.

So the reality is there’s an opportunity for a lot of consolidation in the market, and this is, you know, one of the, the first deals you know, that Utility and an oil and gas, you know, focused company is, is making and I think there’s, there’s more that of that that can happen. Thankfully, because of the high capacity factors down in Brazil, you’ve got assets, which are, you know, Normally profitable more profitable than others because you, even though you might have a low PPA, you also have, you know, a capacity factor that might be like 60 percent or higher which is kind of obnoxious But it’s, you know, just the, the site conditions you’ve got down there.

So at the end of the day, I think it’s a, it’s a good move specifically for for Vibra to be able to do that. And in general, it’s. Kind of a wait and see measure for how the market’s going to evolve. You know, I guess it, it’s behooves a company like Vuber to have a pipeline and a portfolio of projects to be able to build out or repower, I suppose then, then just sit there waiting on the sidelines.

Joel Saxum: This is an interesting acquisition for me personally, and anybody that likes business to see someone that’s coming from a space that tru Traditionally competes with each other. Traditionally, you don’t see the, you know, lubricants fuels type company grabbing renewables and then joining up together. And when you see businesses do this, they can do it right or they can do it wrong.

So they do it right. They unlock all kinds of great synergies. They, they can mix cult, the, the company cultures together and create products. A very, very profitable organization. They can do it incorrectly and have inter fighting in competing because you have different, different thoughts and viewpoints and how the energy economy should look.

So I will watch this one personally, just because I like to see what’s going to happen internally in these companies and rooting for them for it to go well. Because I think there’s a lot of synergy that can be unlocked here.

https://weatherguardwind.com/orsted-sunrise-aviva-cic/

Renewable Energy

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

Published

13 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

19 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.