A California startup has just made major leaps towards solving climate change, and it’s not slowing down

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Environmental tech startup Heliogen has achieved a scientific breakthrough, reaching over 1000°C with concentrated solar energy. At this temperature, it can replace fossil fuels in producing cement, steel and petrochemicals. But, the company says it’s not stopping there. Its next goal is 1500°C; then it can split water and carbondioxide, to create gas used to power factories and fuel cars.

Heliogen’s mission is to reduce greenhouse gases as quickly as possible, in an effort to reverse the effects of climate change. In the last 270 years, more than 392 billion metric tons of carbon have been release into the atmostphere due to fossil fuels. Half of that’s happened in the last 35 years, since the mid 1980s. Industrial processes, like making concrete, are responsible for more than a fifth of all emissions. Using solar energy is a step in the right direction.

How do they do it?

Commercial concentrating solar thermal systems have previously been able to generate power, reaching up to 565°C. But industrial processes are burning through fossil fuels at accelerated rates and the climate crisis calls for bigger action. Heliogen reached the breakthrough temperatures because of its tech. It uses advanced computer software to align a large number of mirrors to reflect sunlight towards a specific target. The mirrors act as one, thanks to a closed-loop control system. The light is targeted towards a tower with a receiver, which converts the sunlight into ultra-high temperature heat.

What if we got rid of fossil fuels today?

Sadly, the world isn’t ready to stop using fossil fuels just yet. But, just for a moment forget the administrative headache of switching to entirely renewable energy sources, and take an optimistic view. Pollution would almost entirely end – both because mining would end, and because there would be no way to make non-biodegradable products without petroleum. Public health would improve because of the drop in pollution, meaning Americans would save US$74.6 billion every year that’s currently spent on coal-related health issues. Most importantly, the halt in carbon emissions would put a halt to climate change.

Are you developing a way to alleviate climate change? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

There’s no stopping its growth: Texas Business is Still King

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The results just in: Texas Business is still King!

CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” 2018 study has declared the Lone Star State as No.1. The study ranked American states based on 10 metrics ranging from economy to quality of life. Data was collected from official government sources, business and policy experts, CNBC Global CFO Council, and other sources. The verdict? 2018’s study proved that Texas Business is still King.

Texas is the only state to have ever received the top spot four times. The last time Texas was declared No.1 was in 2012 though the state consistently scores well across the board, having never ranked below the top 5.

The energy sector is a major driving force for the economic boom in Texas business, with oil prices rising 60% and the sector creating over 350,000 jobs just last year. According to its rankings in specific categories like infrastructure (the state ranked No.1), access to capital (No.3), technology and innovation (No. 9), and cost of living (No.11), Texas business is looking pretty good.

CNBC isn’t the only one that’s recognized Texas’ economic dominance. A “2018’s Best & Worst States to Start a Business” study by WalletHub also acknowledged that Texas Business is still King. After evaluating all 50 states according to business environment, access to resources, and business costs, the study determined that Texas was the ideal location for new businesses.

Are you engaging in research activities to keep Texas businesses at the leading edge of the competition? Did you know your research activities could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is Texas’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

R&D applications open for advancing cyber-resilient energy systems

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$25 million of research has been funded by The Energy Department (DOE) into investigating innovative approaches to strengthen and secure the nation’s critical energy infrastructure. As energy cyber-security is a national priority, the Energy Delivery Systems (CEDS) program is now seeking R&D applications.

The Energy Secretary strongly believes that Energy cyber-security demands an increase in advancement technologies in order to facilitate more secure and resilient systems for America’s future prosperity, vitality and energy independence. It is believed that programs such as CEDS have the best chance to pursue innovative cyber-security solutions to cyber threats facing the nation.

The Funding Opportunity Announcement builds on DOE’s efforts with the private sector towards improving the security of the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and reducing the risk of a cyber incidents that could disrupt energy delivery.

The five important areas that the selected programs will promote industry advancement in are:

  • Redesign for cyber-resilient architecture – electric and oil and natural gas (ONG) subsectors
  • Cyber-security for the ONG environment
  • Cyber secure communications
  • Cyber secure cloud-based technologies in the operation technology (OT) environment
  • Innovative technologies that enhance cyber-security in the energy sector

The due date for submitting an application is June 18, 2018 and submission must conclude in a demonstration of a developed technology at a relevant end-user site to validate a clear path to industry acceptance. Refer here for more information on the FOA.

With its expertise and experience in the R&D Tax credit, Swanson Reed can help you find out how your company could benefit from R&D Tax Credits. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today.

Swanson Reed also regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE credits as well as CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

“$1.1 million flop” – Failed Wind Turbines in Addison Demonstrate the Need for R&D

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Almost a decade ago, the city of Addison, TX set its sights on constructing a new water tower powered by eight wind turbines that would sit atop of the tower. Intended to become an artistic and renewable energy landmark, the project was designed by an artist who claimed that when people see the tower, “They will know they are in Addison.” Unfortunately, the once-optimistic project would instead become known for its failed wind turbines.

In 2011, Landmark Structures was commissioned to build the water tower and Urban Green Energy manufactured the wind turbines which were installed in February 2012. One of the turbines fell off the tower only three months after installation. While no one was hurt, the turbines continued to demonstrate poor craftsmanship even after repairs. In December 2012, a blade hit a nearby building, destroying a conference room.  In 2013, the turbines were removed, re-fitted, and reinstalled. However, another blade flew off the turbine in 2014.

While the water tower was functional, the failed wind turbines, made originally in China, proved to be a safety hazard. According to Dave Lieber, the project was “a $1.1 million flop” and “not one kilowatt of electricity was generated.” As a result, the city of Addison is issuing a lawsuit against Landmark Structures and Urban Green Energy who had designed and handled the construction of the project. Until the legal case is sorted, the failed wind turbines will remain atop of the water tower.

Are you working on projects attempting to improve wind turbines and prevent future accidents and lawsuits like Addison’s failed wind turbines? Did you know your experiments, even those that were unsuccessful, could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE credits as well as CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Nebraska’s New Power Plant to Reduce CO2 Emissions

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Over half of the electricity in Nebraska is produced by coal-fired plants. However, two-thirds of the electricity generated by Monolith Materials’ proposed $50 million manufacturing headquarters will be from carbon-free sources such as nuclear, hydro and wind. The Lincoln plant is expected to be in operation by 2020 or 2021. It is expected to bring 200 jobs to the plant and potentially 600 spinoff jobs.

Monolith Materials have developed a way to produce carbon black using natural gas rather than crude oil or coal tar, which reduces emissions by around 90% and produces clean-burning hydrogen in the process.

This hydrogen by-product will be used at the Sheldon Station plant, which will be the first large-scale power plant in the US to produce electricity using this method. Monolith Materials have partnered with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and have decided to reduce emissions by replacing a coal-fired boiler with a hydrogen-fired boiler. Although the hydrogen is not considered renewable energy, as it is derived from natural gas, it is estimated that it will cut Nebraska’s CO2 emissions by around a million tons per year.

The Silicon Valley start-up chose Nebraska as the best location for the plant because of its cheap electric rates, public power partnerships, infrastructure and skilled workforce. NPPD’s Generation Strategy Manager wants to replace more coal with natural gas and make Nebraska “the carbon black capitol of the world.”

Over the past five years, Nebraska has grown by over 52,000 manufacturing jobs. Chief Commercial Officer, Rob Hanson described the company as, “a California company with a development division in Nebraska,” but that “In two years, we’ll be a Nebraska company with R&D in California.”

Energy companies like Monolith Materials are continually finding cleaner ways to produce electricity. Please contact one of Swanson Reed’s offices to find out whether your company is eligible for the federal or state R&D tax credit.