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Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

▶️ The Race for Renewable Energy Supremacy: A Multifaceted Landscape


Pinpointing a single “top” country in renewable energy development is challenging, as different metrics paint varied pictures. 

China stands out in total installed capacity, boasting a massive 1,161 gigawatts, nearly half the global figure. This reflects their aggressive investments in solar and wind power.


However, focusing solely on capacity doesn’t tell the whole story. When considering the renewable energy share of total electricity generation, Denmark, Uruguay, and Austria steal the spotlight. Each generates over 38% of their electricity from renewables, primarily wind and hydropower. These nations have set ambitious goals like 100% renewable energy by 2035 (Denmark) and carbon neutrality by 2050 (Uruguay).


Ultimately, the “top” country depends on the chosen criteria. China dominates in raw capacity, while several European nations excel in integrating renewables into their grids. Regardless of individual rankings, the global momentum towards renewable energy is undeniable, with numerous countries making significant strides. This diverse landscape, with each nation bringing its unique strengths and targets, paints a promising picture for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

▶️ Top Contenders in the Renewable Energy Race: A Global Spotlight


The race towards a sustainable future fueled by renewable energy is gaining momentum, with several countries emerging as frontrunners. Each nation takes a unique approach, excelling in different areas depending on their resources and priorities. Let’s delve into the top contenders and their impressive strides:


Total Installed Capacity Champions:

1. China



  • China: The undisputed king of renewable energy capacity, China boasts a staggering 1,161 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity. This translates to nearly half the world’s total, with solar and wind power leading the charge. Driven by ambitious government targets and massive investments, China’s renewable energy expansion is truly phenomenal.
2. United States

  • United States: Following closely with 352 GW, the US leverages its diverse geographical resources to shine in wind, solar, and hydropower. A mix of public and private initiatives fuels this growth, making the US a key player in the global energy transition.
3. Brazil

  • Brazil: South America’s renewable giant, Brazil, harnesses its abundant hydropower resources to boast 217 GW of installed capacity. Wind and solar are also seeing significant investments, driving Brazil’s quest for energy independence and a greener future.


Renewable Energy Share Leaders:



  • Denmark: This Nordic nation sets the bar high, generating a remarkable 39% of its electricity from renewables, primarily wind power. Its ambitious goals of 100% renewable energy by 2035 and complete fossil fuel independence by 2050 are truly inspiring.

  • Uruguay: Uruguay stands tall with a 38% renewable share, leaning heavily on hydropower and wind energy. The nation aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable future.

  • Austria: Rounding out the top three with 38%, Austria excels in hydropower and biomass, contributing significantly to its renewable energy share. The country’s ambitious targets include 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2040, showcasing their dedication to a clean energy future.


Other Notable Players:



  • Germany: A solar energy leader, Germany’s Energiewende policy has championed the transition towards renewables, paving the way for other nations.

  • Sweden: Aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2040 and carbon neutrality by 2045, Sweden leverages hydropower, wind, and solar to push towards sustainability.

  • Iceland: Nearly 100% reliant on geothermal and hydropower, Iceland stands as a testament to the potential of clean energy sources.

Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

▶️ Top Contenders in Renewable Energy Development: A Comparative Table



Country Total Installed Capacity (GW) Renewable Share of Electricity (%) Key Strengths Notable Goals
China 1,161 N/A Solar, Wind Ambitious government targets, massive investments
United States 352 N/A Wind, Solar, Hydropower Diverse resources, public-private initiatives
Brazil 217 N/A Hydropower, Wind, Solar Energy independence, sustainability goals
Denmark N/A 39 Wind 100% renewable energy by 2035, fossil fuel independence by 2050
Uruguay N/A 38 Hydropower, Wind 100% renewable electricity by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2050
Austria N/A 38 Hydropower, Biomass 100% renewable electricity by 2030, climate neutrality by 2040



Additional Notes:



  • The table reflects data from 2022 or prior depending on availability.

  • While China leads in total installed capacity, individual data for electricity generation share isn’t readily available due to different reporting methods.

  • Other notable players like Germany, Sweden, and Iceland were excluded from the table for conciseness but could be added with separate rows.



Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

▶️ Key Indicator for Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

Unfortunately, there is no single “key indicator” to definitively crown a country as the “top” in renewable energy development. Different metrics capture different aspects of progress, each revealing valuable insights, making a unified answer complex. Here’s a breakdown of key indicators and their limitations:

1. Total Installed Renewable Energy Capacity (GW):

  • Advantages: Shows a country’s commitment and investment in building renewable infrastructure. Reflects potential for future electricity generation.
  • Limitations: Doesn’t consider efficiency, population needs, or integration into the grid. China dominates here, but it doesn’t translate directly to leadership in other aspects.

2. Renewable Energy Share of Total Electricity (%):

  • Advantages: Illustrates how much a country relies on renewables for its actual electricity usage. Reflects progress towards sustainability and energy independence.
  • Limitations: Doesn’t consider the total amount of electricity generated or potential for further growth. Denmark, Uruguay, and Austria excel here, but their starting points with existing hydropower might differ from others.

3. Investment in Renewable Research and Development (R&D):

  • Advantages: Highlights a country’s commitment to innovation and future breakthroughs in renewable technologies. Crucial for long-term progress and cost reductions.
  • Limitations: Data might be less readily available and difficult to compare across nations. Investment doesn’t guarantee immediate results or successful implementation.

4. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:

  • Advantages: Showcases a country’s political will and enabling environment for renewable energy development. Supportive policies can attract investment and accelerate progress.
  • Limitations: Can be subjective to evaluate and compare due to varying political contexts and priorities. Impact might take time to translate into concrete results.

5. Carbon Neutrality Goals and Achievement:

  • Advantages: Captures a country’s ambition and progress towards mitigating climate change, a key driver for renewable energy adoption.
  • Limitations: Goals don’t guarantee achievement, and timelines might differ. Countries with high fossil fuel dependence might face greater challenges reaching carbon neutrality.

Therefore, a holistic approach considering multiple indicators is most effective to assess a country’s position in renewable energy development. Analyzing strengths and weaknesses across each metric provides a more nuanced understanding of their leadership and potential for future progress.

Top Country in Renewable Energy Development

▶️ Largest renewable energy facilities within their specific categories

Here is the largest renewable energy facilities within their specific categories:

Largest Solar Farm:

  • Bhadla Solar Park, India: 10,200 MW (operational since 2019)
  • Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, China: 8.5 GW (operational since 2021)
  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, UAE: 5.6 GW (operational phases, further expansion planned)

Largest Wind Farm:

  • Hornsea 2 Wind Farm, United Kingdom: 1.4 GW (operational since 2022)
  • Dogger Bank Wind Farm, United Kingdom: 3.6 GW (under construction, operational phases planned)
  • Baihetan Hydropower Base, China: 16 GW (hydroelectric, operational since 2021)

Largest Hydroelectric Dam:

  • Three Gorges Dam, China: 22.5 GW (operational since 2008)
  • Itaipu Dam, Brazil/Paraguay: 14 GW (operational since 1984)
  • Grand Coulee Dam, USA: 6.8 GW (operational since 1942)

Remember, these are just some examples, and new projects are constantly being developed and pushing the boundaries.

Largest Renewable Energy Facilities by Type

Category Facility Name Country Capacity (MW/GW) Operational Year
Solar Farm Bhadla Solar Park India 10,200 MW 2019
Solar Farm Longyangxia Dam Solar Park China 8.5 GW 2021
Solar Farm Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park UAE 5.6 GW (planned to expand) (Various phases operational)
Wind Farm Hornsea 2 Wind Farm United Kingdom 1.4 GW 2022
Wind Farm Dogger Bank Wind Farm United Kingdom 3.6 GW (under construction) (Operational phases planned)
Hydroelectric Dam Baihetan Hydropower Base China 16 GW 2021
Hydroelectric Dam Three Gorges Dam China 22.5 GW 2008
Hydroelectric Dam Itaipu Dam Brazil/Paraguay 14 GW 1984
Hydroelectric Dam Grand Coulee Dam USA 6.8 GW 1942

Notes:

  • Capacity is shown in megawatts (MW) for smaller facilities and gigawatts (GW) for larger ones.
  • Operational year indicates when the facility started generating electricity.
  • Some solar parks like Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum are expanding in phases, so the total capacity listed is the planned final size.
  • Dogger Bank Wind Farm is currently under construction, with operational phases planned for the future.



The Takeaway:


While China reigns supreme in total installed capacity, Denmark, Uruguay, and Austria dominate in terms of renewable energy share. Each nation showcases unique strengths and ambitious targets, contributing significantly to the global shift towards a sustainable energy future. This global race towards clean energy is inspiring, with numerous countries making impressive strides. The future of energy is undoubtedly greener, and these leading contenders are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable world.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/02/top-country-in-renewable-energy.html

Renewable Energy

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

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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

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Renewable Energy

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

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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.

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

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

  2. The quote needs to be accepted and dated.

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

  4. 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.

  5. The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.

  6. 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:

  1. The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
  2. They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
  3. 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:

  1. Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
  2. Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.

  3. Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
  4. 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? 

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Renewable Energy

Air Power

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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.

Air Power

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