Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2024

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Trends in the Wind Industry 2024: It’s complicated

What’s harder to predict than how the wind will blow? Well, money, people and technology come to mind. So, these aren’t predictions; they’re trends in the wind industry that we’re watching, and ones that you’ll probably want to watch, too, as 2024 unfolds.

Big Money Moves: Tax Credits, Asset Reallocation, Service Shifts

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) are still impacting wind development. As we wrote this article it appeared that the US would set a new onshore installation record, and many peripheral projects and technologies related to large developments are still emerging.

Federal tax credits and some state programs continue to drive repowering projects and new investments in transmission lines projects. Thanks to the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP), funding is available through the US Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office – at least for the moment.

Obviously, the investment is good for the general economy, as are the jobs, even if the majority of them are temporary. And the end result of repowering is even better for energy consumers and the environment: repowering projects typically result in fewer turbines, producing more power for the grid.

Ultimately, how much progress Federal dollars can power the US wind industry in 2024 will be determined by the people in charge of some very large projects, as Power magazine noted in an insightful article.

…macroeconomic forces only increase the importance of a project’s ability to utilize the energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Power Magazine Nov 27 2023

While making the most of government aid is key for wind developers, the importance of asset management cannot be ignored.

When will we know about the Siemens Effect?

Siemens’ staggering losses took on a life of their own in 2023, and how the industry may change has yet to be fully seen. It’s likely that fewer turbine models will be introduced and supported by manufacturers in the future, but so far no OEMs have made definitive statements regarding that.

Even with Siemens’ equipment problems and subsequent restructuring, Weather Guard Chief Commercial Officer Joel Saxum pointed out that the company is still projecting to break even by 2026.

Big company profitability vs. small company profitability: which is more attractive?

IntelStor insight from Phil Totaro

Decisions coming from the top at the largest OEMs also show that service models are changing in significant ways. How wind industry owners and operators respond will be driven, in large part, by how the insurance industry reacts. While independent service providers (ISPs) have, in recent years, proven to provide the best value for owners, the bottom line will always be the deciding factor.

Service agreements are changing:

How will insurers’ prices change as the exposure changes?

Data, Analytics, Technology

Most wind asset owners have no shortage of technology, or data. Advances in robotics, and notably, sensors, have improved many aspects of turbine operations, particularly blade maintenance. Additionally, many technologies – like virtual reality for tech training – can improve safety outcomes, as PES Wind Director Stefann Perrigot pointed out in a recent interview.

Data overload?

Data is good, but insight is better

AI may have been the poster child of 2023, as it was expected to grow 38% annually through 2030. While any automation that improves AEP is always welcome, and we are seeing AI built into new drone applications, it’s just not going to make people obsolete in the wind business.

The fact remains that building blades remains a mostly manual process; and the need for qualified wind techs to maintain equipment is as strong as ever.

Is the Wind Industry placing greater value on people?

As 2023 drew to a close, there were hints of a possible shift in the human resources landscape.

Clearly, we’ve seen more awareness of the tremendous need for wind techs, and efforts are underway to develop the workforce. In its article on clean energy projects in 2024, Pew Trust noted that there has been an increase in on- and offshore tech training programs.

The undeniably good news is that wind techs are (finally) getting some of the recognition that they deserve. Bloomberg recently identified wind turbine technician as the hottest job in the US, at an average of about $80,000 a year, with no college degree needed. It also dubbed the job “fully remote” and hinted at an exciting life of travel. Well, that may be a glamorous description, but it’s true the job is unlike any other.

We interviewed Alex Pucacco, wind industry engineer and author of “Where the Wind Takes you: Adventures of a Wind Turbine Engineer,” in November. You can hear what he had to say here.

Appealing to workers with long-term opportunities such as promotions and comprehensive benefits would be a significant improvement. Certainly, the general skills and aptitude that wind techs need – and that they further develop while working in the industry – are transferrable to other professions in the energy sector.

Where will the US find Wind Technicians?

The Complete Guide to Wind Turbine Technician Jobs, Salary and More

Repowering the Wind Workforce: Rangel Renewables is Meeting Surging Industry Demand

New Efficiencies

The US DOE is encouraging what it calls the “nascent business model” of agrivoltaics. We fully expect to see more of it in the US, and it’s about time. The concept of dual- or multipurpose land is not new in Europe; in fact, it’s becoming quite common to see solar and battery storage, or solar and wind, working on the same farms that support livestock.

Last year, we highlighted a number of US wind farms on land that is still working farmland, and we applaud those land owners for their willingness to try new things. It’s worth noting that it’s often a very profitable choice.

Why Wyoming’s governor is promoting clean energy

Trends in the Wind Industry 2024: It’s complicated

Recently we discussed how in Germany (and elsewhere), operators are finding that innovative uses of land, such as placing data centers inside concrete towers, can significantly improve efficiencies and overcome some issues like grid bottlenecks. Our take: bring it on!

Multi-use projects can work offshore, too. Aquaculture projects – like growing kelp and raising fish in offshore wind sites – are underway around the globe. Learn more about Aquaculture here.

At left, what an AquaWind aquaculture cage and the associated fish feeding silo might look like. Find out more about related Atlantic basin projects at AquaWind.eu [Photo credit: AquaWind

Worldwide, Weather Extremes are the new norm

One thing that was clear in 2023: even the newest wind turbine blades aren’t ready for the amount of lightning strikes that we’re seeing. Owners and operators have known for some time that they aren’t getting the lightning protection they need, but understanding just why it isn’t working as advertised is complicated. And costly, which is why the insurance industry is taking a more active interest.

Counting the cost of lightning protection

Unfortunately, the proposed new IEC standards probably aren’t what the industry needs. Listen to A Lightning Expert’s Opinion on the New IEC Lightning Standards for an overview of the latest attempts to improve things – and less expensive steps that owners can take to protect their equipment.

If you have questions about blade health and lightning protection, contact us. We understand how lightning affects wind farms – all over the world – and how aerodynamics are specific to your blades, and your environment. StrikeTape, a proven, easy-to-install retrofit, is currently protecting more than 10,000 blades from lightning.

See StrikeTape specs here or schedule a consultation now.

Small companies continue to drive changes

The most interesting innovations usually come from small, young companies. Also typical: those small businesses and service providers move faster than industry giants. Although it can be difficult to keep up with the pace of growth, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, we try.

Countless small companies – and some larger ones, particularly from the oil and gas industry – are working to build the necessary vessels and auxiliary products and services that will support the growing offshore market, for example.

We are grateful for opportunity to have worked with many of those businesses and to help them spread the word about their products in 2023.

Check out Monday’s News Flash each week for the latest business info, financial moves, and M&A news. Listen to the Uptime Podcast to hear about new technology and business models.

Where is the Wind Industry Headed in 2024? Find out!

We haven’t really begun to dive into what to think about the potentially huge shifts that could loom – across the entire industry – if Europe (or even the US?!) were to change their stance on Chinese OEMs…but that will certainly be a topic of conversation in 2024.

Stay on top of all the wind energy news with the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast. And please contact us with your comments and questions. We love learning from others in the industry!

More wind industry articles worth reading in 2024

Overview of Cop28

https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/cop-climate-change-conference/

Will solar and wind prices fall in 2024?

https://www.iea.org/reports/renewable-energy-market-update-june-2023/will-solar-pv-and-wind-costs-finally-begin-to-fall-again-in-2023-and-2024

How much will States advance clean energy projects in 2024?

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/11/30/as-states-advance-clean-energy-projects-2024-looms-as-pivotal-year

Where will you promote your wind business in 2024?

Below, the top trade shows PES Wind focuses on, according to director Stefann Perrigot. Listen to the entire interview here and be sure to say hello when you see us at an upcoming trade show!

Husum Wind Energy, Germany https://husumwind.com/en/
Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference https://oeec.biz/
Wind Europe event in Bilbao https://windeurope.org/annual2024/
I P F in New Orleans https://oceantic.org/oceantic-event/2024-ipf/exhibit-at-ipf/
RenewableUK Global Offshore Wind https://tethys.pnnl.gov/events/renewableuk-global-offshore-wind-2024
Wind Energy, Hamburg https://www.windenergyhamburg.com/

Trends in the Wind Industry 2024: It’s complicated

Renewable Energy

Has the Fever Broken?

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Many Americans are starting to feel like the lady whose observations we see at left.

Exactly how this moves forward from here is anyone’s guess. Maybe the Democrats gain a huge majority in Congress in 2026 and then impeach and convict Trump–perhaps joined by lots of Republicans.

There are plenty of different scenarios.

Has the Fever Broken?

Renewable Energy

Trump and Climate Change

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Alice Rush

As shown in this short video, Donald Trump says that climate change is the biggest con job ever perpetrated on Earth.

We are to believe that Trump a) understands the subject better than the thousands of our planet’s top scientists, located in countries all around the globe, and b) he’s telling the truth, where they have somehow gotten together and conspired to lie.

That’s quite a stretch.

Trump and Climate Change

Renewable Energy

Can You Stack VEU with Solar or Other Incentives? – Find Out

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2025

Alice Rush

Renting in Victoria often comes with its share of compromises, especially when it comes to heating and cooling.

In Victoria, most households face high bills and reduced comfort because their old gas heaters kick in during winter or inefficient split-system air conditioners struggle to keep homes cool throughout summer.

Fortunately, there’s a golden opportunity many residents don’t know about: the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program. This government-backed initiative offers meaningful rebates and discounts for efficient heating and cooling and other home upgrades.

But the question is: Do rental properties qualify for the VEU rebates?

The answer is yes, but there are a few important things tenants need to know.

Therefore, in this article, we’ll guide you through how tenants in VIC can benefit from VEU air con Upgrade, how the landlord consent process works, and share some real-world examples that you can follow to get started.

So, let’s begin!

In this blog post:

Understanding VEU Air Con Rebates: Can Renters Benefit?

As mentioned earlier, the Victorian government has introduced the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to help
households and businesses reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Under this scheme, accredited providers offer rebates or discounts on the installation of energy-efficient products,
including reverse-cycle
air conditioners that replace older, inefficient systems in your home.

How Does the VEU Rebate Program Work?

The government issues “VEU certificates” for each upgrade, which energy companies then buy to meet their
emissions-reduction targets. This trading system allows households to receive up-front discounts.

Significantly, tenants can also benefit from the rebate if they have their landlord’s approval for installing air conditioners.

In rental homes, this upgrade not only improves comfort and reduces electricity bills but also helps landlords meet
Victoria’s minimum energy-efficiency
standards for rental properties.

Eager to know more?

Here is how renters can benefit through VEU air con Upgrades:

Lower energy bills

Upgrading to a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner under the VEU scheme can significantly reduce your
heating and cooling costs.

For example, recent data represents estimated savings of $120 to $1,100 per year, depending
on the size or type
of
upgrade.

Switching to efficient heating
and cooling systems helps reduce ongoing operational costs.
In your home, better temperature control means you’re less reliant on inefficient systems, like gas-burning
heaters or fans.

Improved comfort and living conditions

In a rental property, installing a modern, energy-efficient cooling system means better indoor comfort.
This VEU air con upgrade can be especially relevant in rentals where older systems may struggle or be
inefficient.

Eligibility and access permission as a tenant

Tenants can access upgrades under the VEU program, though you’ll need to coordinate with the landowner.
The best part is that there are no income thresholds to meet. The program is broadly available to Victorian
households and rental properties.
The discount is applied via an accredited provider, so the cost to the tenant (or the landlord/tenant jointly)
is reduced upfront.

Air Con Upgrade adds value to the rental property

Even though this VEU rebate directly benefits the property owner or landlord in terms of value appeal, tenants
also benefit by renting a property with better systems that likely have fewer repairs or maintenance issues.
Upgrades reduce maintenance
tasks for tenants, as older systems are more likely to break, causing discomfort or disputes over
repairs.

Do Tenants Really Need Landlord Consent? | The Approval Process Explained!

If you are living in a rental property in VIC and thinking about upgrading your air conditioning system through the
VEU program, you might be wondering — do I need my landlord’s approval before installing the new unit?

Well, since you don’t own the property you’re renting, one of the first steps as a tenant is to talk with your
landlord and seek permission.

It’s important to check in with your landlord before making any upgrades or installations. It helps avoid common mistakes
that disqualify you from a rebate, ensures compliance with your lease, and keeps everything running
smoothly.

Here’s how the landlord approval process usually works and what you should do to get landlord approval
fast:

Initiate the conversation

As a tenant, you can raise the possibility: “Would you be willing to upgrade the heating/cooling system under the
VEU
rebate scheme?” You can emphasis the long-term benefits to the landowner, such as lower bills, greater comfort,
and
improved property value.

Check eligibility together: here’s what to check!

Confirm the property has existed for more than 2 years.
Verify whether the existing system is eligible for replacement, e.g. an old gas heater or a low-efficiency
AC
unit.
Not all the brands
and
models are eligible, so check the public
registry to find a suitable one.
Make sure the upgrade has not been claimed for that property before. The program won’t allow duplicate
claims.
Select a VEU-approved product and an accredited installer, such as Cyanergy.

The landlord gives consent

Your landlord or rental provider must agree to the upgrade. Many installers note that rental properties can
access
the scheme only when the owner provides landlord approval.

Transparent discussion on cost & contract

Before installing a system, a contract with the installer will outline the rebate and installation details,
including
who pays upfront.

It’s wise for both the landlord and tenant to review it.

Installation & rebate claim

The installer handles the application under the VEU scheme, ensuring that the discount/rebate is applied. The
landlord will likely be the applicant (since they’re the property owner), but tenants can initiate or support
the
application.

Post-installation: Allocation of benefits

After installation, the improved system delivers reduced energy use. The agreement between landlord and tenant
should
clarify how those savings are handled.

Pro Tips Every Tenant Should Know During the Rental Process

To get the most out of this opportunity, here are some best practices especially tailored for tenants:

Get everything in writing, keep records, and retain a copy of the document for both the landlord and you.
Request an estimate that clearly outlines the rebate process or discount amount, allowing you to see the actual cost.
Ask the installer to clarify the warranty, ongoing maintenance, and any other relevant details.
Ensure the landlord agrees to your shared arrangement, including the cost, benefits, and timeframe, before committing to it.

How are Costs and Incentives Shared?

One of the main questions is: when a tenant benefits, who pays for what? And how incentives are distributed?

Well, under the VEU scheme, here’s how it typically works:

Incentives offered

According to the Victorian government’s heating and cooling factsheet, installing an efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner can result in significant savings. For example:
- Up to about $840 when replacing a hard-wired electric resistance room heater ranging from 3 kW-9 kW in a non-ducted setting.
- Up to $2,520 for replacing a ducted gas heater and installing 4 split systems (1×8 kW + 3×3 kW).
The program also notes that for rental properties, benefits apply: the regulatory impact assessment states:
“The VEU program is available to renters. The program encourages collaboration between rental providers and tenants to work together on upgrades.”

So, who bears the cost?

When discussing cost-sharing for installing an air conditioning system in a rental property, the tenant may offer to contribute by paying higher rent, extending the lease term, or sharing the energy savings.

This helps both the landlord and tenants to secure the upgrade quickly.

However, in most cases, the landlord pays the bulk of the cost or arranges for the installer to claim the rebate or discount, reducing the upfront cost.

Then, the installer essentially offsets your rebate via VEECs (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates) and passes the benefit on to the customer.

The rebate is usually applied up front, reducing the installation cost, and the amount depends on the type of system you remove and the system you install.

Sharing Benefits Between Landlord and Tenants: A Collaborative Approach

Upgrading the air conditioner or installing a new unit under the VEU rebate program can benefit both tenants and
landlords. While tenants benefit from lower power bills and greater comfort, landlords benefit from improved
property value.

Let’s picture this:

Example Scenario

The tenant initiates the upgrade, and the landlord agrees. The installer’s quote shows the system costs $4,000, with
a $2,500 rebate, so the net cost payable is $1,500.

The tenant might offer to sign a 2-3-year lease extension, providing the landlord with stability in return for a
share of the savings, such as lower power bills or a slight rent increase.
Landlord receives a modern upgrade, a better energy rating, and reduced risk.
Tenants enjoy comfort and lower bills, all while living in a rental.

However, even with a rebate, the property owner must meet the minimum customer contribution.

For instance, for a non-ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner under 10 kW, the minimum cost is $200 for a multi–split
system and $1,000 for a ducted system.

So, remember! While rebates are generous, they don’t always cover everything.

Ready to Upgrade Your Rental Home’s Efficiency? Cyanergy Make it Easy!

Whether it’s Victoria or NSW, more efficient rentals mean happier tenants and lower running costs. It’s a win-win for both. Don’t wait to make your property more efficient and affordable to run.

Let Cyanergy handle everything from rebates to installation so you can enjoy peace of mind and lasting value.

Start your upgrade journey today with us!