Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2024

Alice Rush

Vertical farming: Sprouting skyward to feed the future

Imagine skyscrapers not just housing offices and apartments, but also bursting with fresh leafy greens, vibrant herbs, and even juicy strawberries.

This is the vision of vertical farming, a revolutionary agricultural practice that is reshaping the future of food production.

Growing Up, Not Out: Forget sprawling fields stretching to the horizon. Vertical farming maximizes space by stacking crops in layers, often within buildings or controlled environments. This allows for efficient utilization of land, particularly valuable in urban areas with limited space.

Tech-Powered Harvest: Sunlight is still crucial, but vertical farms often supplement it with LED lights, precisely tuned to promote optimal plant growth. Temperature, humidity, and nutrient delivery are also meticulously controlled, creating a perfect growing environment that can yield crops year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

Soilless Solutions: Ditch the dirt! Vertical farming often ditches traditional soil for soilless methods like hydroponics, where plants feed on nutrient-rich water solutions, or aeroponics, where roots dangle in mist-filled chambers. This reduces reliance on land and eliminates the need for pesticides and herbicides, promoting a more sustainable approach.

Benefits Beyond the Bunch: Vertical farming offers a bounty of advantages beyond just increased yields. Reduced water usage, minimized transportation distances, and lower carbon footprints make it an environmentally friendly alternative. Fresh, high-quality produce can be delivered directly to consumers, boosting local food security and community health.

Challenges to Contemplate: Despite its promise, vertical farming still faces hurdles. High initial setup costs, dependence on energy sources, and technical expertise requirements are key challenges. Additionally, scaling up production to meet large-scale demand remains a work in progress.

A Seed of Hope: While not a silver bullet, vertical farming offers a promising solution to a growing global challenge: feeding a burgeoning population on a planet with limited resources. As technology advances and production costs decrease, we can expect to see more vertical farms sprouting up, changing the landscape of food production and bringing fresh, sustainable food closer to consumers than ever before.

World Largest Vertical farming Projects

The Sky’s the Limit: Exploring the Largest Vertical Farming Projects

Vertical farming, the innovative practice of growing crops in stacked layers within controlled environments, is rapidly scaling up. These skyward farms not only offer a glimpse into the future of food production but also stand as impressive feats of engineering and agricultural ingenuity.

Let’s delve into some of the largest vertical farming projects currently pushing the boundaries:

1. Bustanica (Dubai, UAE):

Claiming the crown for the world’s largest vertical farm, Bustanica in Dubai sprawls across a whopping 330,000 square feet. This behemoth utilizes cutting-edge technologies like hydroponics and LED lighting to produce over 1 million kilograms of leafy greens annually. Its impressive scale and focus on sustainability make it a true pioneer in the industry.

2. Aerofarms AgX (Abu Dhabi, UAE): ️

Aerofarms AgX in Abu Dhabi takes a different approach, focusing on research and development. This 65,000-square-foot facility serves as a testing ground for next-generation agricultural technologies, paving the way for advancements in arid and desert environments. Its contributions to pushing the boundaries of vertical farming research are invaluable.

3. Upwards Farms (Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, USA): 🇺🇸

Upwards Farms makes a statement with its unique indoor vertical farm housed within a repurposed warehouse in Pennsylvania. This 250,000-square-foot facility boasts impressive yields, producing 250 times more leafy greens per acre than traditional farming methods. Its focus on repurposing existing structures contributes to a circular economy approach.

4. Plenty Unlimited (Seattle, Washington, USA):

Taking vertical farming a step further, Plenty Unlimited in Seattle integrates fish farming with plant production. This innovative closed-loop system utilizes the waste from the fish to fertilize the plants, creating a symbiotic and resource-efficient ecosystem. Their commitment to circularity sets a new standard for sustainable food production.

5. Emirates Crop One (Dubai, UAE): ️

Another Dubai contender, Emirates Crop One, pushes the boundaries of what can be grown vertically. Their 130,000-square-foot farm successfully cultivates strawberries, a notoriously delicate fruit, alongside leafy greens. This achievement demonstrates the versatility and potential of vertical farming to tackle diverse crops.

Vertical farming Technology

Vertical Farming Technology: Cultivating Innovation in the Sky

Vertical farming, the skyward evolution of agriculture, is revolutionizing how we grow food. By stacking crops in controlled environments rather than sprawling fields, farms are pushing the boundaries of space, seasonality, and yield. But what fuels this verdant uprising?

Let’s delve into the technology powering this agricultural revolution.

1. Lighting the Way: Sunlight remains crucial, but LED lights take center stage. Precisely tuned to each plant’s needs, these energy-efficient lamps promote optimal growth and maximize yield, turning night into productive day.

2. Soilless Solutions: Ditch the dirt! Hydroponics and aeroponics offer a cleaner, more efficient approach. In hydroponics, roots feast on a nutrient-rich water bath, while aeroponics suspends them in a nourishing mist, eliminating the need for soil and its associated challenges.

3. Environmental Maestro: Temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels become meticulously orchestrated in vertical farms. Sensors and automated systems fine-tune these conditions, creating a personalized paradise for each crop, boosting performance and consistency.

4. Automation at its Finest: From planting and harvesting to monitoring and adjusting, robots lend a helping hand. These tireless assistants reduce labor costs, ensure uniform quality, and free human hands for research and management.

5. Data Whispers Wisdom: Sensors whisper secrets to intelligent software, collecting data on everything from plant health to environmental parameters. This real-time intelligence allows farmers to optimize conditions, predict issues, and continuously improve their craft.

These are just the tip of the technological iceberg. As research and development accelerate, we can expect even more innovations to sprout. Imagine artificial intelligence monitoring and adjusting nutrient delivery, bioprinting customized fertilizer based on a plant’s genetic makeup, or robots performing delicate surgeries on precious fruits.

But like any pioneering venture, vertical farming faces challenges. High initial costs, energy demands, and technical complexities are hurdles demanding innovative solutions. Additionally, scaling up production to meet large-scale demands remains a puzzle to unlock.

However, the benefits are undeniable. Vertical farms boast incredible yields, using 95% less water than traditional farms, and minimizing transportation emissions by growing food closer to consumers. Furthermore, they offer year-round production, independent of weather whims, and provide a controlled environment that enhances food safety.

From leafy greens to juicy strawberries, vertical farms are sprouting hope around the world. With ingenuity and unwavering dedication, this technology holds the potential to nourish a growing population, redefine agricultural practices, and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

So, while you may not yet see farms adorning every skyscraper, remember, the future of food is taking root, not just in fertile soil, but in the fertile minds and technology shaping vertical farming’s innovative story.

Conclusion World Largest Vertical farming Projects

The world’s largest vertical farming projects offer a glimpse into the future of food production, showcasing the immense potential of this innovative approach.

While each project boasts unique strengths and focuses, their collective impact highlights the exciting possibilities of growing food vertically:

1. Bustanica (Dubai, UAE): As the reigning champion of size, Bustanica demonstrates the incredible scale achievable in vertical farming. Its ability to produce over 1 million kilograms of leafy greens annually showcases the potential for high yields within controlled environments.

2. Aerofarms AgX (Abu Dhabi, UAE): Stepping beyond mere production, Aerofarms AgX positions itself as a hub for groundbreaking research and development. This focus on pushing technological boundaries paves the way for advancements that benefit the entire industry.

3. Upwards Farms (Pennsylvani,,,,,,,,,,,,a, USA): Upwards Farms champions resource efficiency by repurposing existing structures. This approach showcases the potential for integrating vertical farming into existing urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact and promoting circularity.

4. Plenty Unlimited (Seattle, USA): Embracing a circular economy, Plenty Unlimited’s integration of fish farming with plant production sets a new standard for resource utilization. This closed-loop system exemplifies the innovative solutions vertical farming can offer for sustainable food production.

5. Emirates Crop One (Dubai, UAE): Pushing the boundaries of crop diversity, Emirates Crop One successfully cultivates fruits like strawberries alongside leafy greens. This achievement demonstrates the expanding range of crops that can thrive in vertical farms, increasing appeal and market reach.

In conclusion, these world-leading projects present a compelling case for the future of vertical farming.

They showcase the potential for:

Increased food production in limited spaces: Bustanica’s massive scale exemplifies the immense yields achievable.
Advancements in agricultural technology: Aerofarms AgX’s focus on research paves the way for future innovation.
Integration with existing infrastructure: Upwards Farms illustrates the potential for repurposing buildings for urban agriculture.
Sustainable food production: Plenty Unlimited’s circular economy approach sets a new standard for resource utilization.
Expanding crop diversity: Emirates Crop One demonstrates the potential for growing a wider range of crops vertically.

While challenges remain, these world-leading projects offer a beacon of hope for a future where food production is efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.

The seeds of change have been sown, and as technology advances and costs decrease, we can expect to see more and more impressive feats of vertical farming sprouting up around the world, ready to nourish a growing population and build a greener future.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/01/world-largest-vertical-farming-projects.html

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

Published

19 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

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

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

Renewable Energy

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

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

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

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

But what are the main issues?

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

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

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

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

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

In this blog post:

Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing the right system

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

One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units

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

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

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

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

Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater

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

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

Installation Process & Timing Period

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

The quote needs to be accepted and dated.

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

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

The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.

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

Choosing efficiency over just cooling

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

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

At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:

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

Out-of-pocket and rebate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, to qualify under the VEU program:

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

How the Rebate Works

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

After installation:

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

The homeowner simply has to:

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

The Result

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

Why is the VEU rebate significant?

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

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

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

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

Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!

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

Before Adding Air Conditioning System

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

After Adding the Air Conditioning System

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

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

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

Net Savings

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

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

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

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

Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program

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

Don’t wait until your system dies.

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

Choose a provider who handles the rebates.

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

Understand the actual savings potential.

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

Ensure proper sizing and zone control.

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

Factor in non-energy benefits.

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

Check the accreditation and compliance.

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

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

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

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

Monitor your bills after installation.

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

Be realistic about pay-back

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

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

Final Notes

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

This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.

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

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

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

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

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

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

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

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

Renewable Energy

Air Power

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

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

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

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

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