Published

2 years ago

December 16, 2023

Alice Rush

Introduction Top Rated Modern Agriculture Countries

The landscape of top-rated agricultural countries is dynamic and influenced by a myriad of factors encompassing productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

Prominent nations include the United States, where advanced technology, research, and large-scale farming contribute to its agricultural prowess. China, with its vast land resources and commitment to modernizing agriculture, also stands among the leaders, focusing on improving yields and food security.

Brazil has become a global agricultural powerhouse, excelling in the production of soybeans, beef, and poultry. The country’s adoption of modern farming techniques and extensive agribusiness initiatives has propelled it to the forefront of the agricultural world. India, with its diverse agro-climatic zones and a large farming community, is another key player, continually working on enhancing productivity through technology adoption and sustainable practices.

In addition to these giants, smaller nations like the Netherlands and Israel have gained recognition for their innovative approaches.

The evolving landscape of top-rated agricultural countries underscores the importance of adaptability, sustainability, and technological innovation in shaping the future of global food production. For the latest and most accurate information, it’s advisable to refer to recent reports from agricultural organizations or government sources.

Top Rated Modern Agriculture Countries

Some top-rated modern agriculture countries include the United States, China, Brazil and India. These nations are recognized for advanced farming technologies, large-scale production, and innovation in agricultural practices.

Here is a short list for Top Rated Modern Agriculture Countries.

1. United States

The United States is a leading force in modern agriculture, known for its large-scale farming operations, advanced machinery, and innovative technologies.

Precision farming practices, including GPS-guided tractors and drones, contribute to increased efficiency and yields. The U.S. agricultural sector is diverse, producing a wide range of crops and livestock. Research institutions and private companies continually invest in developing cutting-edge solutions to address challenges and enhance productivity.

Key data for modern agriculture in the United States

Here are some key facts and data about modern agriculture in the United States:

1. Technology Adoption:

– Precision Agriculture: The U.S. has widely adopted precision farming techniques, including GPS-guided tractors, drones, and sensors. These technologies enable farmers to optimize field-level management with regard to crop farming.

– Biotechnology: Genetically modified (GM) crops, such as genetically modified corn and soybeans, are extensively cultivated in the U.S., contributing to increased yields and pest resistance.

2. Crop Production:

– Corn and Soybeans: The U.S. is a major producer of corn and soybeans. These crops are not only essential for domestic consumption but also play a crucial role in international trade.

– Wheat: Wheat cultivation is significant, particularly in states like Kansas and North Dakota.

3. Livestock Production:

– The U.S. is a leading producer of beef, pork, and poultry. Modern livestock farming practices focus on efficiency, nutrition, and animal welfare.

– Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are common, especially in the production of poultry and swine.

4. Organic Farming:

– The organic farming sector has been growing, with an increasing number of farms adopting organic practices. Consumer demand for organic products has driven this trend.

5. Farm Size and Consolidation:

– Agriculture in the U.S. is characterized by a mix of large-scale commercial farming and smaller family-owned operations.

– There has been a trend toward consolidation, with larger farms utilizing advanced technologies to manage extensive acreages.

6. Environmental Stewardship:

– Sustainable and conservation practices are gaining importance. Farmers are adopting practices like cover cropping and precision nutrient management to minimize environmental impact.

Here are some key data points related to modern agriculture in the United States.

1. Crop Production:

– In 2021, the USDA estimated corn production at around 14.5 billion bushels, with soybean production at approximately 4.4 billion bushels.

– Wheat production was estimated at around 1.7 billion bushels in the same year.

2. Livestock Production:

– The U.S. is one of the largest producers of beef globally. In 2021, the country produced around 27.1 billion pounds of beef.

– Pork production in the U.S. was approximately 28.8 billion pounds in 2021.

– Chicken production reached around 42.1 billion pounds in the same year.

3. Organic Farming:

– Organic farming has been on the rise. In 2019, the USDA reported that there were over 5 million certified organic acres, including both crop and pastureland.

– Sales of organic products reached $7.6 billion in 2019.

4. Farm Size and Structure:

– The average farm size in the U.S. was around 444 acres in 2020.

– Large family farms and non-family farms accounted for the majority of agricultural production, with smaller family farms contributing significantly to the overall number of farms.

5. Biotechnology:

– Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely cultivated. In 2020, approximately 94% of soybean acreage and 92% of corn acreage in the U.S. were planted with genetically engineered varieties.

6. Environmental Stewardship:

– Conservation practices are increasingly adopted. According to the USDA, in 2020, farmers enrolled over 140 million acres in conservation programs, focusing on practices like cover cropping and resource-efficient land management.

These figures provide a snapshot of the state of modern agriculture in the U.S.

2. China

China, with its vast land resources and a significant portion of the population engaged in agriculture, plays a crucial role in global food production. The country has been focusing on modernizing its agricultural practices, incorporating technologies like precision farming, biotechnology, and smart irrigation systems.

The Chinese government has implemented policies to support rural development and enhance agricultural sustainability. The scale of agricultural operations in China and its commitment to research and development contribute to its prominence in the global agricultural landscape.

Key data for modern agriculture in China

Here are some key facts and data related to modern agriculture in China.

1. Crop Production:

– China is the world’s largest producer of rice, wheat, and various other crops. In 2021, the country produced over 212 million metric tons of rice and around 135 million metric tons of wheat.

– Corn production has been increasing steadily, reaching over 260 million metric tons in 2021.

2. Precision Agriculture and Technology:

– Precision farming practices, such as the use of GPS-guided tractors and drones, have gained popularity in China. These technologies contribute to increased efficiency and optimized resource utilization.

– The Chinese government has been investing in the development and adoption of smart farming technologies to enhance agricultural productivity.

3. Biotechnology:

– China has been actively engaged in agricultural biotechnology. Genetically modified (GM) crops, including cotton and papaya, have been commercially grown.

– Research and development in biotechnology aim to address challenges such as pest resistance and improve crop yields.

4. Livestock Production:

– China is a major producer of pork, with a significant impact on the global market. In 2021, the country produced over 45 million metric tons of pork.

– Poultry and beef production have also seen growth in response to changing dietary patterns.

5. Organic Farming:

– The organic farming sector is expanding in China. As of my last knowledge update, the country had around 3 million hectares of certified organic farmland.

– There is a growing interest in organic products, both domestically and internationally.

6. Sustainable Agriculture:

– China has been working on sustainable agricultural practices to address environmental concerns. Efforts include soil conservation, water management, and the promotion of eco-friendly farming techniques.

7. Rural Development Policies:

– The Chinese government has implemented policies to support rural development, increase agricultural efficiency, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Here are some key data points related to modern agriculture in China.

1. Crop Production:

– In 2021, China produced over 670 million metric tons of rice, making it the world’s largest producer of rice.

– Wheat production exceeded 135 million metric tons, solidifying China’s position as a leading global wheat producer.

– Corn production reached over 260 million metric tons, indicating a significant contribution to the global corn market.

2. Livestock Production:

– China produced over 45 million metric tons of pork in 2021, making it the world’s largest pork producer.

– Poultry production was over 22 million metric tons, and beef production exceeded 7 million metric tons in the same year.

3. Organic Farming:

– China had around 3 million hectares of certified organic farmland, showcasing a growing interest in organic agriculture.

– The organic food market in China has been expanding, reflecting consumer preferences for organic products.

4. Biotechnology:

– Genetically modified (GM) crops, including cotton and papaya, have been commercially grown in China.

– Research and development efforts in agricultural biotechnology aim to enhance crop traits and improve yields.

5. Precision Agriculture and Technology:

– China has been actively adopting precision farming practices. The use of GPS-guided tractors and drones contributes to increased efficiency.

– Investments in smart farming technologies underscore China’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector.

6. Sustainable Agriculture:

– Sustainable agricultural practices, including soil conservation and water management, are part of China’s efforts to address environmental concerns.

– Policies promoting eco-friendly farming techniques aim to balance agricultural development with environmental sustainability.

3. Brazil

Brazil has emerged as a key player in modern agriculture, particularly in the production of soybeans, beef, and poultry. The country utilizes extensive agricultural lands and employs advanced farming techniques, contributing significantly to global food exports.

Brazil’s emphasis on agribusiness and sustainable farming practices has boosted its international standing. Ongoing efforts in research and development aim to further enhance productivity while addressing environmental concerns associated with agriculture.

Key data for modern agriculture in Brazil

Here are some key facts and data related to modern agriculture in Brazil.

1. Soybean Production:

– Brazil is a global powerhouse in soybean production. In the 2020/2021 season, the country produced over 133 million metric tons of soybeans, making it the world’s largest exporter of soybeans.

2. Beef Production:

– Brazil is one of the largest producers and exporters of beef. In 2021, beef production in Brazil exceeded 10 million metric tons, solidifying its position as a major player in the global beef market.

3. Corn Production:

– Corn cultivation is significant in Brazil, and the country is among the top global producers. In the 2020/2021 season, Brazil produced over 105 million metric tons of corn.

4. Cattle Ranching and Livestock:

– Extensive cattle ranching is a key component of Brazilian agriculture. The country has one of the largest commercial cattle herds globally.

– Brazil has been working on improving the sustainability of its livestock sector, addressing environmental concerns associated with deforestation.

5. Agribusiness and Export:

– Brazil’s agribusiness sector plays a crucial role in its economy. The country is a major exporter of agricultural products, including soybeans, beef, poultry, and coffee.

– The agribusiness industry contributes significantly to Brazil’s GDP and provides employment to a substantial portion of the population.

6. Precision Agriculture and Technology:

– Brazil has adopted modern farming technologies, including precision agriculture techniques and machinery. GPS-guided tractors and advanced irrigation systems are commonly used.

7. Environmental Concerns:

– Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has raised environmental concerns globally. Efforts to balance agricultural development with conservation have been ongoing, with initiatives aimed at reducing deforestation rates.

8. Sugar and Ethanol Production:

– Brazil is a major producer of sugarcane and a leading global producer of ethanol. The country’s biofuel industry has grown significantly, contributing to both domestic and international energy markets.

Here are some key data points related to modern agriculture in Brazil.

1. Soybean Production:

– In the 2021/2022 season, Brazil produced over 144 million metric tons of soybeans, maintaining its position as the world’s largest exporter of soybeans.

2. Beef Production:

– In 2021, Brazil produced over 10.4 million metric tons of beef, solidifying its status as one of the largest beef-producing nations globally.

3. Corn Production:

– Brazil produced around 107 million metric tons of corn in the 2021/2022 season, making it one of the top global producers of corn.

4. Cattle Ranching and Livestock:

– Brazil has one of the world’s largest commercial cattle herds, with over 232 million head of cattle.

– The country has been implementing sustainable practices and initiatives to address environmental concerns associated with cattle ranching.

5. Agribusiness and Exports:

– Brazil’s agribusiness exports reached around $109 billion in 2021, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

– Major export products include soybeans, beef, poultry, sugar, and coffee.

6. Biofuel Production:

– Brazil produced over 33 billion liters of ethanol in the 2020/2021 season, utilizing sugarcane as a primary feedstock.

– The biofuel industry in Brazil plays a crucial role in the country’s energy matrix and contributes to global biofuel markets.

7. Precision Agriculture and Technology:

– Precision agriculture technologies, including GPS-guided tractors and advanced irrigation systems, are widely adopted in Brazil to enhance efficiency and productivity.

8. Deforestation and Conservation:

– Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has been a global concern. Efforts to address deforestation and promote sustainable land use have been ongoing, with increased focus on environmental conservation.

These data points provide an overview of Brazil’s prominence in global agriculture.

4. India

India, with its diverse agro-climatic zones and a large farming community, is a major player in global agriculture. The country has been working on improving agricultural productivity through technology adoption, water management, and sustainable practices.

Initiatives such as the Green Revolution have played a pivotal role in transforming India into a major food producer. Ongoing government programs and collaborations with the private sector aim to address challenges and modernize the agricultural sector for increased efficiency and sustainability.

Key data for modern agriculture in India

Here are some key facts and data related to modern agriculture in India.

1. Crop Production:

– In the 2020-2021 crop year, India produced over 303 million metric tons of food grains, including rice, wheat, and coarse grains.

– India is a major producer of various crops, including rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.

2. Horticulture Production:

– India is a leading global producer of fruits and vegetables. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, horticulture production exceeded 320 million metric tons.

3. Livestock Production:

– India has one of the world’s largest populations of livestock. The country produced over 32 million metric tons of milk in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, making it the largest milk-producing nation globally.

– Poultry and meat production have also seen growth, contributing to the overall agricultural sector.

4. Green Revolution and Technological Adoption:

– The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s played a significant role in transforming Indian agriculture. The adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, irrigation, and fertilizers led to increased productivity.

– Modern technologies, including precision farming, are gradually being adopted to enhance agricultural efficiency.

5. Organic Farming:

– India has witnessed a growing interest in organic farming. As of my last update, the country had over 3.6 million hectares of certified organic farmland.

– The organic food market has been expanding, with increased awareness and demand for organic products.

6. Sustainable Agriculture:

– Sustainable agriculture practices are gaining attention. Initiatives focus on water management, soil conservation, and promoting environmentally friendly farming techniques.

7. Government Initiatives:

– The Indian government has implemented various schemes to support farmers, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) income support program and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

8. Challenges and Opportunities:

– Indian agriculture faces challenges such as fragmented land holdings, water scarcity, and the need for modernization.

– Opportunities exist for leveraging technology, improving infrastructure, and promoting agribusiness to enhance the sector’s sustainability.

Here are some key data points related to modern agriculture in India.

1. Crop Production:

– In the 2020-2021 crop year, India produced approximately 120 million metric tons of rice and around 109 million metric tons of wheat.

– Pulses production exceeded 24 million metric tons, and oilseeds production was around 37 million metric tons in the same period.

2. Horticulture Production:

– Horticulture production in the 2019-2020 fiscal year reached over 320 million metric tons. Fruits and vegetables play a crucial role in India’s agricultural landscape.

3. Livestock Production:

– Milk production in India surpassed 194 million metric tons in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, making it the world’s largest milk-producing country.

– Poultry production reached around 103 billion eggs and over 4 million metric tons of meat in the same period.

4. Organic Farming:

– India had over 3.6 million hectares of certified organic farmland, showcasing a growing interest in organic agriculture.

– The organic food market in India has been expanding, with increased consumer awareness and demand.

5. Sustainable Agriculture:

– The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices. Initiatives include watershed management, soil health cards, and organic farming.

6. Government Initiatives:

– The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) income support program provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

– Various other schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), aim to mitigate risks associated with crop losses.

7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

– Agriculture contributes significantly to India’s greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts are underway to address emissions through sustainable farming practices and carbon sequestration initiatives.

8. Challenges and Opportunities:

– Indian agriculture faces challenges such as water scarcity, fragmented land holdings, and the need for modernization.

– Opportunities exist for leveraging technology, improving infrastructure, and promoting agribusiness to enhance the sector’s sustainability.

Conclusion for Top Rated Modern Agriculture Countries

The top-rated modern agriculture countries, including the United States, China, Brazil, and India, collectively shape the global agricultural landscape.

These nations exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their prominence in the field:

The United States stands out for its advanced technology adoption, large-scale farming operations, and diverse agricultural output. Precision farming and biotechnology play key roles in enhancing productivity, making the U.S. a major player in international trade.

China, with its vast population, has strategically focused on modernizing agriculture to meet domestic demand and ensure food security. The country’s adoption of advanced technologies and active participation in global markets, especially as a major importer of commodities like soybeans, solidifies its position.

Brazil leverages its extensive arable land, favorable climate, and agribusiness expertise to excel in soybean and beef production. The nation’s market penetration is evident through its significant contributions to international trade and supply chains.

India, with its diverse agricultural practices and a growing emphasis on modernization, plays a crucial role in the global market. The country’s traditional strengths in crops and spices are complemented by a burgeoning export market for fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.

Collectively, these countries not only feed their populations but also contribute substantially to global food production and trade. Their adoption of modern technologies, sustainable practices, and active engagement in international markets underscore their influence in shaping the future of agriculture on a global scale. However, challenges such as environmental sustainability, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for inclusive agricultural development remain areas that these nations and the global community must address to ensure a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

https://www.exaputra.com/2023/12/top-rated-modern-agriculture-countries.html

Related Topics:advanced innovative productive

Up Next

The Rise of Modern Agriculture in Germany

Don't Miss

Pivot Energy, Design House Tapestry to Develop Six Community Solar Projects

Alice Rush

Renewable Energy

Maximise Government Rebates for Commercial Solar in 2026

Published

16 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Alice Rush

If you live in Australia, you might have heard the rumours that commercial solar rebates are being phased out.

Just got thinking if your business has missed its chance to cash in on government support?

Hold on! Let’s set the record straight: the government rebates and incentives are still active, and in 2026, they’re more strategic than ever.

Australia remains a global leader in rooftop solar, but the rules of the game have evolved. It’s no longer just about covering your roof with solar panels and exporting cheap power to the grid.

In 2026, the smart move is pairing commercial solar with battery storage, demand management, and tax planning to maximise savings and control when and how your business uses energy.

From small cafes and warehouses to large manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters, businesses of all sizes can still unlock substantial rebates, tax incentives, and funding opportunities.

The main goal is to understand how the current program works and how to stack them correctly before the rebates end.

Therefore, this guide breaks down how to maximise government rebates for commercial solar in 2026 in Australia, so you can slash power bills, boost energy independence, and make every incentive dollar count.

Let’s dive in!

In this blog post:

Understand the Federal Government’s Core Incentive Options

At the national level, Australia’s federal government continues to support commercial solar through several key programs. The rebate program includes:

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)

This is one of the most popular commercial solar rebates across Australia. Under the SRES, eligible solar systems that are up to 100 kW generate Small-scale Technology Certificates.

These certificates are tradable and provide upfront discounts when you install solar. Your installer usually handles the paperwork, and the value is passed as a discount during installation.

Why does this matter for business owners?

STCs can directly reduce your upfront costs by tens of thousands, making solar a much more affordable long-term investment. This might sound exciting to many. But act sooner rather than later.

Why?

Because the value of STCs gradually decreases as we approach the RET (Renewable Energy Target) end date in 2030.

So, planning a 2026 installation can secure more certificates at higher values.

Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

For bigger commercial solar systems above 100 kW, it’s a different story. These systems fall under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and generate LGCs based on the electricity they produce each year.

These certificates are sold in the market, generating ongoing revenue, not just an upfront discount.

Why are LGCs a great option?

Provide cash flow over many years.
Can often outweigh STC savings for larger systems.

If your roof can support a system over 100 kW, you can easily scale up to access LGCs and create an annual income stream rather than just an upfront rebate.

New Federal Battery Rebate

From mid-2025, the federal government introduced battery rebates under the SRES framework, which continue into 2026.

In this battery home program, systems paired with solar can receive rebates for each usable kWh of storage installed up to 50 kWh.

This helps to:

Reduces battery cost by approximately 30%.
Enhances the value of your solar by allowing you to use more of the energy you generate rather than exporting it at a discount.

Pair solar with batteries wherever profitable. Solar alone saves you money, but paired with batteries, your business becomes more resilient and less exposed to low grid pricing.

How Can You Stack State & Territory Rebates and Grants?

Federal incentives are powerful, but stacking them with state-level rebates and grants can multiply savings.

Here’s what’s active or expected to continue in 2026:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW supports commercial solar and batteries with:

STC rebates on solar.
Reset Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) rebates for batteries. $1,600–$2,400 in addition to bonuses for VPP participation.

Here’s a pro tip! If you add a VPP-ready battery to existing or new solar installations, you can claim both state and federal rebates.

Victoria

Victoria continues its Solar for Business initiatives with:

Rebates for smaller commercial systems.
Interest-free loans and technical support.
Extra funding to encourage SME solar adoption.

You can pair your Victorian rebate with federal STCs and depreciation allowances for the best stack.

Queensland

Queensland has regional programs such as:

Energy audits for businesses.
Co-contribution grants.
Targeted agricultural support to reduce daytime energy costs.

Regional businesses often qualify for multiple small grants, so schedule an audit early in your planning to identify all available incentives.

Turn Australian Tax Deductions into Business Advantage: Here’s How!

Government support isn’t just limited to rebates; tax incentives can be just as valuable.

Instant Asset Write-Off & Temporary Full Expensing

Businesses installing solar can often write off the full cost of the system in the year it is installed, resulting in significant reductions in taxable income. This also:

Improves cash flow in the year of investment.
Can stack with rebates.

Before installing, consult your solar installer to ensure you’re claiming the maximum allowable deduction and that the structure aligns with your business’s tax year.

Standard Depreciation

Even if you don’t qualify for instant write-offs, solar is still a depreciating asset. You can claim deductions over its useful life, typically 20+ years, blending your return through ongoing tax savings.

Let’s Explore Strategic Funding & Innovative Financing Methods

You don’t have to own the system outright to enjoy the benefit:

Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs)

There are councils, such as Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs), that link loans to your property, allowing you to finance energy upgrades through your rates rather than traditional debt, often at better rates and longer terms.

In this method, solar starts saving money immediately, and a new cash-flow strategy makes solar accessible even without large upfront capital.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

With a PPA, a third party installs and owns the solar system, and you buy the energy at a reduced rate for 7–15 years.

What are the benefits:

Zero upfront cost.
Consistent electricity pricing.
Reduced risk.

A PPA may not generate STCs for you, but it can reduce out-of-pocket costs and be more financially advantageous for smaller businesses or those with constrained budgets.

Plan Your Install with Timing & Market Awareness

If you plan to install solar on your commercial property, timing is very crucial. The reason is simple and straightforward.

The rebate values decline over time. The SRES scheme reduces the number of certificates annually as 2030 approaches.
The battery rebates also step down periodically.

Therefore, all you need to do is book an appointment early, obtain free quotes, sign contracts, and schedule installations early in the financial year to secure the highest possible rebate.

How To Qualify for Maximum Returns?

In Australia, if you want to qualify for federal incentives, you must follow these two rules:

Panels and inverters must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved.
Installer must be accredited (Solar Accreditation Australia or equivalent).

Be aware! Skipping an accredited installer or choosing low-quality equipment can disqualify you from getting rebates, so always verify credentials and approvals.

Financial Metrics That Matter: Cash Flow, ROI & Payback

Understanding your commercial solar project isn’t just about grabbing rebates; it’s about making them count. Here’s how to approach it:

Build a 10-Year Financial Model

Include:

Upfront costs before rebates
Rebate cash inflows (STCs, state grants, battery subsidies)
Tax deductions
Avoided electricity purchases
Revenue streams (LGCs for large systems)

Then calculate:

Payback period
Net Present Value (NPV)
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

In most cases, businesses with high daytime usage see paybacks in 3–6 years, which is far better than traditional capital investments.

End Notes

Beyond rebates and tax savings, commercial solar boosts your business in ways that don’t show up on a spreadsheet instantly. It brings:

Brand credibility: Customers increasingly want sustainable partners.

Energy resilience: During peak grid pricing or outages, solar + battery keeps the lights on.

ESG leadership: If you report on environmental goals, solar is a visible, measurable contribution.

By 2026, Australia’s commercial solar incentives will still be robust, but navigating them takes strategy:

Do this first:

Understand federal incentives (STCs, LGCs, battery rebate)
Explore state rebates and stacking opportunities
Talk to your accountant about tax deductions
Get multiple quotes and install early in the year
Choose an accredited installer and products

And then:

Consider financing alternatives like EUAs or PPAs
Build a financial model before signing on the dotted line
Look beyond dollars to brand and operational resilience

Finally, the clean energy transition isn’t just an environmental choice; it’s a smart commercial move. With thoughtful planning and the right rebate stack, commercial solar in 2026 can be one of the most lucrative sustainability investments your business makes.

Ready to go solar?

Start with a trusted installer like Cyanergy, get a tailored quotation, and lock in every available rebate before they step down.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Maximise Government Rebates for Commercial Solar in 2026 appeared first on Cyanergy.

https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/maximise-government-rebates-for-commercial-solar-in-2026/

Renewable Energy

Voters’ Priorities

Published

24 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Alice Rush

For the ~55% of us who vehemently disapprove of Trump, it’s getting him out of office before he turns the United States into Russia or China.

Voters’ Priorities

Renewable Energy

CanREA Operators Summit Tackles Aging Fleets

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2026

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

CanREA Operators Summit Tackles Aging Fleets

Allen and Joel are joined by Mathieu Cōté from CanREA to preview the upcoming Operators Summit in Toronto. With many Canadian wind projects reaching 17-20 years old, the industry faces critical decisions about extending, repowering, or decommissioning assets. Register now!

Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us!

Welcome to Uptime Spotlight, shining Light on Wind. Energy’s brightest innovators. This is the Progress Powering tomorrow.

Allen Hall: Matt, welcome to the program. Thanks for having me. Well, the theme of this Year’s Operator Summit is coming of age and. There’s a lot of things happening in the renewable side up in Canada. What does that mean for Canadian renewable energy operators right now?

Mathieu Cōté: Well, we came up with coming of age because, um, the fleet in Canada is in a bit of a different space than it is in the States where, uh, right now we’ve got a lot of projects that are on the cusp of coming to their end of initial lifetime.

Right. They’re in that. 17 to 20 year range. There’s some that are a little bit past, and so you, as an operator, you gotta be asking yourself, is this the time to extend this project? What do I have to do [00:01:00] if I need to extend? Um, or am I repowering, am I taking things down, putting them up? And I mean, there’s a lot of different variables there.

Sometimes it’s just a re topping, sometimes it’s everything down to ground level and go again. Or it’s, maybe it’s a decommissioning and those decisions are on the cusp of being made in the operation space in Canada. So that’s, that’s a super important part of it. But the other side of it, and the reason we liked, uh, coming of age is from the industry perspective itself.

We are no longer the new kid on the block, right? We are now a reliable, uh, professional industry that can deliver power when you need it. Uh, so that’s what we’re trying to, to convey with this coming of age. And, and we’ve got some really good speakers who are gonna talk about that, uh, from. The grid operator’s perspective saying, why is it that renewables are one of the first things they reach for now when they realize they need more power?

Joel Saxum: I think it’s an interesting space and I think to, to [00:02:00]comment more deeply on that, right? That you guys are in that, you

Mathieu Cōté: know,

Joel Saxum: 2005, six you started installing a

Mathieu Cōté: lot of the, a lot of wind assets. There was a curve of, as it as every year you get more and more. Trickle and then becomes a flood quite quickly.

Joel Saxum: Yeah. And, and, and you know, from, from the operation standpoint, we deal with some of the wind farms in Canada. We love working with, uh, the operators up there because they do exude that professionalism. They’re on top of their game. They know they’ve gotta maintain these things. Whereas in the states, we’ve been a little bit nascent sometimes and, oh, we got PTC coming so we don’t have to do these certain things.

Little bit more cowboy. Yeah. Yeah. And up in Canada, they’re, they’re, they’ve been doing the right things for a long time. Um, and I think it’s a good, good model to follow, but you’re a hundred percent correct. We’re coming to that time when it’s like decision time to be made here. And I think we, in our, in our uh, kind of off air chat, you had mentioned that, you know, repower in Canada is.

Pretty early stages. I

Mathieu Cōté: only know about

Joel Saxum: one,

Mathieu Cōté: to [00:03:00] be honest, and I try and keep track of these things,

Joel Saxum: but that’s coming down the pipeline,

Mathieu Cōté: right? So there’s gonna be more and more of these happening. And I mean, there are a lot of operators that have one foot on either side of the border, so some people have some operational experience on what steps you need to take, but it’s also from the regulatory side, like what is your grid operator gonna insist on?

So on and so on. But, uh, so we’ve got some panels to talk about things like, one of my favorites is, uh, how much life is left in your machine? And that’s sort of a deeper dive from an engineering standpoint. Like what math do the engineers do to assess, is this foundation good to go for another 10 years?

Is this tower gonna stand up to whatever? Should we replace the blades and all those components? We, we’ve got a foundation expert, uh, someone who does. Digital twin sort of things as well as, um, a panelist from, uh, Nordex, so the OEM sort of perspective as well, and how they assess how much [00:04:00] life is left in a machine.

So like that’s the sort of panels that we’re trying to put together that we’re pretty excited about.

Joel Saxum: Well, I think that’s a good one too, because I know Alan and I we’re talking around the industry globally. A lot of it is around CMS. And when we say CMS, we’re not just talking drive train anymore, we’re talking everything you can in the turbine, right?

So the, the concept of remaining useful life, r ul, that always comes up, where are we at with this, right? Because from a global perspective in Europe, they have, you know, in Spanish wind farms are all, a lot of ’em are at that 25 year mark. What are we doing here? So you guys are bringing that conversation to the Canadian market at this operator summit in Toronto here in February.

It’s, it’s timely, right? Because it’s February and everybody’s getting ready for spring, so you got a little bit of time to come to the conference.

Mathieu Cōté: Well, and that’s one of the things that we actually used to do is show in April and we’ve moved it back after hearing feedback from our, from our audience that April’s almost too late, right?

Like, if you’re doing your assessments for your [00:05:00] blades, it where? Where’s your manpower coming up? Coming from in the summertime? Those contracts are already signed. By the time you hit April, February, you’ve still got time. Your RFP might be out so you can meet all the proponents on site at once. It, it just makes a lot more sense for us to do it in February.

Allen Hall: Well, there’s a wide range of technology in Canada in regards to wind to energy. That adds to the complexity where a lot of turbines, unlike the United States, are maybe even sub one megawatt, and with new turbines coming online, they’re gonna be in the five, six, maybe even seven megawatt range. That’s a huge dispersed.

Industry to try to maintain massive range. Yeah. Right. And I, and, and I think one of the dilemmas about that is trying to find people who understand that tho all those different kinds of machines and the intricacies of each one of them and how to operate them more efficiently, which is where Canada is.

Quite honestly. The, the thing [00:06:00] about that and the challenge for Canada Head, and this is why the conference is so important, is. If there’s someone in Canada that has the answer, as Joel and I have talked to a number of Canadian operators, you may not know them. I know it’s a smaller marketplace in general, but unless you’re talking to one another, you probably, uh, don’t realize there’s, there’s help within Canada.

And these conferences really highlight that quite a bit. Wanna talk about some of the, sort of the interactions you guys create at the conference?

Mathieu Cōté: Yeah. Oh, well, it’s one of the things that can RIA tries to do is play that connector role, right? Like, we don’t know everything, but like you say, we know someone who knows something and we can put you in touch with all.

I know a guy who knows a guy. Um, but we’re, we’re always able to, to, to connect those dots. And I mean, we, we do a lot of, uh. Things like working groups and uh, regional meetings. And, uh, we’ve even got, uh, different summits for different things. Getting a little bit outside of operations, but like we [00:07:00] have an Atlantic operators group that gathers together and has a chat just sometimes, usually there’s a focus topic, but then we have, oh, how do you guys deal with the storm that came through?

Or that sort of thing, or what, what do you do for if you need a new blade or has anyone got a good vendor for this thing or that thing? Those sorts of things always happen in the margins. And I mean, the ops summit is the, the best one of those because it’s the entire Canadian industry that gets together.

We’ve got folks from bc, we’ve got folks from Atlantic Canada, there’s gonna be people from Quebec, and there’s vendors from all those places as well. Right? So. It’s covering all your bases and it’s the one place that you can talk to everybody and meet everybody in like a 48 hour period.

Joel Saxum: Well, I think that if, you know, just doing a little bit of deep dive into the agenda and the program here, that’s one of the things that you guys are focusing on.

Targeted networking. So morning breakfasts, evening receptions, there, you know, structured and informal, uh, opportunities to actually connect with the o and m [00:08:00] community. Um, one of them that you had mentioned was kind of, um. Hands-on demonstrations and, and for me, when, when I see these things, ’cause I’ve seen them kind of slightly not, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody do it perfectly well.

I’m excited to see what you guys do. But you get, you get a group of people standing around, like you get people kind of standing around. Rubbing elbows going, like, what do you think about that? What is, does this, is this gonna work? And, and those to me are great, great conversations for networking and kind of figuring things out together.

The collaboration part.

Mathieu Cōté: Absolutely. Uh, well on those two points, the, the networking has always been a huge part of this show, and we’ve always built into the program. Okay. There’s some stuff on stage, but then there’s a break. And I mean, you can wander around the showroom floor and you can, but you can talk to the other people.

And, uh, that’s a big part of this. That’s an important part of this. And then on the, the demonstrations and so on, we used to have what we called, uh, elevator pitches, uh, where, and we’ve done it various different ways where people get five minutes, one slide, you’re on [00:09:00] stage, you say your piece, you give us your elevator pitch, and then you get off and someone else gets up and talks.

And we found that, that, and the feedback we got was that that was good because that condensed all of the salesy parts and kept it away from the panels. ’cause the panels, we want them to be informative, not. Selling you something. We want you to learn something. But the sales pitch is, there is some sense of like someone’s trying to sell you a thing.

But we’re evolving that a little bit this year where we’re going towards demonstrations. So on the showroom floor, there will be someone who will have a tangible thing, whether it’s here’s the new fireproof coat that we’ve come up with, or here’s how this, uh, sling works, or here’s this piece of kit that fits on your machine that catches bolts when they break, or whatever it is.

Here’s how it actually works, and they’ve got it in their hands and they can play with the go until it, uh, really, like you say, gets that light bulb moment that gets you to see how it works. And you can see that ROI [00:10:00] right away going, oh, okay. That if it catches the bolts when they break, then it doesn’t rattle around.

And then I’ve gotta spend X amount less time fixing, missed out. Or the other thing, like it’s, it, it’s a, it’s a better way of doing it is, uh, what we feel. And like you say, then you get. Being on the showroom floor, it’s in amongst the booths. So people who are on the showroom floor can just sort of look over their shoulder, see that, okay, I really gotta go check out that guy.

Joel Saxum: I like the idea of the format and there’s a couple other things like lessons learned track we talked about a little bit too. But one of the things for me for trade shows is when Alan and I went to ETC in Calgary a few years ago, two years ago I think. Yep. You actually had the. The conversations, the panel conversations, the discussions, the knowledge sharing happening on the showroom floor.

I don’t like going to a conference where I have to go in, like I’m talking with some people, but, oh, I gotta run across this thing across over here, a mile away into some back room to listen to someone talk about something. I like, I like being where the information is [00:11:00] happening and sharing, and I can stand off to the side and listen a bit and, and still engage.

Um, and you guys are doing some more of that too through the lessons learned track. Um, can you explain that a little bit to us?

Mathieu Cōté: Well, we’ve always had, uh, like a, some split in concurrent sessions and so on. But to your point of not running off to the other end, we’re in a pretty intimate space where we’ve got like a room for lunch and the plenaries, we’ve got a room for the exhibit hall, and then right next to it is any of the, uh, off to the side stuff.

It’s all within a one minute walk of, of itself, which is much better. So we’ve got the concurrent, uh, sessions and. This year we split them instead of into two. We split ’em into three though that then we’ve got one for specific to wind. We’ve got one specific to solar and storage. ’cause we are renewable energy, not just wind.

And then we’ve got one, uh, that’s a bit of a grab bag and it’s a bit of a different format. So instead of your traditional three [00:12:00] panelists plus a moderator, everyone’s got a slide, everyone’s gotta talk, blah, blah, blah. This thing, it, it’s much more focused. You’ve got one person who’s got a real important thing to say, whether it’s, here’s, uh, lessons learned on how our hub fell off and here’s what we learned from it.

Here’s our root cause analysis, or here’s, uh, a much better way of doing, uh, our health and safety program has worked much better for us. Here’s what we gain from it, or whatever happens to be. And then one moderator to ask them some questions, pick apart. So this part, how to, uh, and get a bit of a, a flow there.

So, and it’s much shorter. Instead of an hour long, it’s only a half hour. So then you don’t have to sit through two people. You don’t care about to listen to the one person that you do is the intent of these, uh, lessons learned? I,

Joel Saxum: I do really like the concept simply because when I go to an event or like, um, putting something together, I want people to be able to go.

Learn something, take it back to their respective [00:13:00] organization, be able to implement it tomorrow. And it sounds like you guys are really moving towards that with the lessons learned, the collaboration and the knowledge sharing.

Mathieu Cōté: That’s, that’s the intent. And that, and that’s really what it is, is I, I’m, I think I’m a smart guy, but I don’t have all the answers.

So we’re really trying to shine a light on the people who do, and like, here’s a thing that the industry as a whole should learn about. And give them some time to talk about it. And like you say, then you’ll get some of those conversations in the margins and in in between going, yeah, this guy had this thing to say.

We get that sort of dialogue going. That’s, that’s the intent. It’s all about, uh, discussions and learning from each other.

Joel Saxum: To me, it sounds like even, um, for lack of a, maybe a trip to get some poutine and maybe an American, American should go out there and listen to some of the stuff you guys have to say as well.

Mathieu Cōté: Honestly, it’s, it’s worth it for, uh, Americans to come by and we do have a significant number, proportion of the, the audience comes from the states as well. Because like you say, it’s, it’s worth it and it’s good information and it’s a good [00:14:00] portion of the thing. And it’s really not that far. And I mean, um, not to put it lightly, we do tend to lean a little heavier on some of the more, uh, Canadian elements like weather.

Like we do have a panel this year, um, on the solar side, solar operations and adverse conditions. And that one, um. Because that one came from, uh, I know a guy at, uh, natural Resources Canada, who was part of a working group at the International Energy Agency in their photovoltaic power systems group, where they came up with, uh, a report on operations in all kinds of adverse conditions around the world.

So he’s gonna present that report and we’ll have a panel discussion. The other panelists there, we’ve got, um. Ben Power, the CEO of ves, who is the number one installer of solar in the Yukon, right next to Alaska. So they know a lot about adverse conditions and then, uh, polar racking, they’ve got a lot of experience, uh, with that sort of thing too.

And they’ve got some data that they’re gonna bring to the [00:15:00] panel as well. So it should be a really good discussion about how do we deal with bad things happening in solar specifically.

Allen Hall: Well, sure. Uh, Canada’s been running assets a lot longer than we have been in the States. In fact, to Joel’s earlier point, we’re repairing.

Disassembling putting new stuff up all the time. Canada has been more focused on keeping existing equipment running in some crazy, harsh conditions. The US is moving that way. You wanna know about ice? We could tell you about ice. Exactly. Like how many times has the US run into trouble with icing on wind turbines and we should have been talking to, or her neighbors through the north, but in a lot of cases, yeah.

The I, I find that the time I went. I learned a whole bunch about Canadian operations, how to think about some of these problems differently. That was the beauty of a attending a Kria event, and I know there’s gonna be a lot of people attending this event. Who is it for in general? Obviously [00:16:00] it’s for operators, but is there some value here for like asset managers?

Some of the engineers, some of the service providers,

Mathieu Cōté: yeah. That our, our core market, if you want, is your site managers and your technical people, but engineers, 100%, they will learn something. Your asset managers will definitely have some value in it, whether it’s learning about the technology or learning about, uh, the, the latest things coming out or even just.

Best practices from other folks, right? We’ve also got, uh, more and more we’re getting people from the insurance industry getting involved because some of these, uh, lessons learned and so on, is really valuable to them. And we’re even running, um, if, if people are in insurance, we have a special meeting for insurance.

The, the day before where we’ll be having a, a dialogue between the insurance industry and the operators and like, here’s how we deal with this. This is why the prices are that. And, uh, talk about that risk transfer type stuff. There are the odd developer who comes out. Um, but it’s more for the, [00:17:00] like, once it’s in the ground, the technical people, uh, the tooling manufacturers, the service providers, the, all, all of those folks.

Joel Saxum: What about ISPs? Oh, a hundred percent. We know quite a few ISPs up in Canada. Every one of them that I’ve talked to is coming. So ev I’ve had the conversations and like I, you know, we’re, we’re doing some other things in February as well around here, and I was, Hey, what are you guys? Oh, we’re all going to the Candry Ops summit.

We’re going to the Candry Ops summit, so to Toronto and February. Um, bring your warm jacket. I suppose it could be cold. Yeah, the, the ISPs will be there in, in full force. And so I think that. To me, it’s like the, the, the cousin to the A-C-P-O-M-S. We like OMS in the states because that’s where the real discussions happen around operations and maintenance.

Mathieu Cōté: The technical stuff happens. Yeah. And it, I like to say it’s the, the, the younger cousin, if you will, and the maple syrup cousin.

Allen Hall: Well, I do think though, that when we’re at, uh, o, M and S Joel, that [00:18:00] those discussions are a little bit different than what I see up at Kria. Like Kria is a. Community OMS is, yeah, we, we all know one another and maybe it’s just there’s this, a bigger event or more people, but it, I don’t feel the sort of connection I do when I’m at Kria.

Like I know the people, I understand what’s going on at Kria. That’s what makes it fun that I get to see people that I, I know once in a while, but at the same time there is a huge, massive amount of. Sharing

Mathieu Cōté: that community that you speak to, that that’s really what we’re trying to, to gather in. And there’s a difference of scale too.

I mean, uh, the OMS is like 3000 people and we’re three to 400. So there, there’s a difference there. But that sort of intimacy leads to a fair bit more of that sharing that you’re talking about and like that Oh yeah, there’s that guy. Oh, there’s Derek from Capstone, or there’s Dan from EDF or there, you know, and then you.

You run into them and then you, you catch [00:19:00] up on all the latest and, um, what’s going on, how are things going? And so on and so on. And there’s time for all of that in the, in the two day show that we have.

Joel Saxum: Well, I think collaboration in a smaller, like the right size group is, is much easier and flows better.

Right? Once you get to that thousand two, three, 4,000, it’s like, yeah, you’re there, you’re seeing the people, but like it’s just not the same.

Mathieu Cōté: Et c is somewhere around 3000 people and it, it, it’s got that heft. It’s a different audience as well. Right? The o and m crowd isn’t there as much. It’s not quite as technical, so it it, it’s a speaking to a different group of people.

Allen Hall: Well, Canada is on a growth spurt for renewables. There’s a lot of wind energy

Mathieu Cōté: headed up towards Quebec. There are procurement’s open right now in Quebec, Nova Scotia, new Brunswick. Uh, Ontario, BC and Manitoba

Joel Saxum: Plus, what was it? Fi what was it? Five offshore lease areas off of Nova Scotia.

Mathieu Cōté: Yeah, they’re looking at up to five gigawatts offshore in Nova Scotia.

We don’t have [00:20:00] any yet in Nova in, uh, offshore. And there’s some, they need to figure out what the offtake is and where the transmission goes. Uh, but there’s a lot of people working in the background on MA putting that together. So it’s growing. Oh, a hundred percent. It’s growing and across the board, right.

And the. Wind or solar or storage or all three. And that, that a lot of the, the procurements these days are starting to move in a direction of, uh, sort of a technology agnostic where they say, we need megawatts. We don’t care how you make them. We just want electricity. Well, electricity, uh, but also electricity capacity.

So in the one case we figure wind and solar will do quite well, and in the other we’ll figure the battery storage will do quite well. So no matter what and in the timelines that they’re asking for, we’re looking at if you want it in the next five years, it’s probably gonna be wind and solar because anything else is gonna be a seven plus year timeline to get into the ground.

So [00:21:00] there, there’s a lot. There’s a lot coming.

Allen Hall: Well, up to 20% of the energy, electricity in Canada nationally is gonna be generated by renewables in less than 10 years.

Mathieu Cōté: Canada’s split up a lot, remember like, and Quebec is already at 90 plus with their hydro and bc same thing.

Joel Saxum: And I, and I think that that’s something to be, to be shared as well here is from an o and m standpoint.

The, the varied geographies of Canada and how spread apart it is, there’s specialized knowledge up there to, to, to, you know, till the cow come home. So it’s a great place to go and learn. I would encourage people, hey, if you’re, if you’re in anywhere around Michigan, the Great Lakes Toronto’s a three hour drive.

Go there, do the conference and learn something,

Mathieu Cōté: and hey, we’re right next to the airport. It’s quick flight. Almost anywhere from North America, right? So Toronto’s easy to get in and

Allen Hall: out of, and this is gonna be a great event. The Can Operators Summit. It’s February 11th and 12th at the Delta Hotel by [00:22:00] Marriott, Toronto, right at the airport.

So you, you can’t miss it. It’s easy to get in, easy to get out. You’re gonna have a great time. Matt, how do they connect and register for this event?

Mathieu Cōté: We have a registration link that I’m sure we’ll put somewhere. Um, or come to our website, kenia.ca?

Allen Hall: Yeah, just Google Can Operator Summit. That’s what I did.

And that takes you right to the registration. Get signed up there. It’s inexpensive in Toronto is a really cool city. February 11th and 12th. At the Delta Hotels by Marriott, right at the airport. The Canary Operator Summer is going to be a lot of fun. Matt, thank you so much for being on the podcast.

Really enjoyed having you. Well, thanks for having [00:23:00] me.