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Renewable Energy

R&D in renewable energy is helping us to collectively make progress to meet the UK’s net zero targets by 2050. The industry as a whole is driven by an increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy. By investing in research and development activities, businesses can discover new energy sources, reduce energy waste, improve efficiency, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. This sector also plays a crucial role in the development of advanced technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, which are essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. There is a huge global demand for energy which is why the government actively supports innovations in the industry by providing R&D tax relief, helping you to continue investing in your renewable energy projects.

Overview

Qualifying at a Glance

With a global focus on sustainability, interest in renewable energy sources has risen and the industry is developing some fantastic innovative processes and technologies. Some examples include:

  • Protecting animals – Applying artificial intelligence to identify and categorise marine mammals while conducting in-field operations for offshore wind and oil and gas exploration activities.
  • Improving energy storage to prevent waste – Developing new and improved energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, flow batteries, compressed air energy storage (CAES), or thermal energy storage systems.
  • Advancing wind turbine technology – Designing more efficient and cost-effective wind turbines, optimising blade designs, or enhancing wind farm layouts for maximum energy production.
  • Development of innovative solar technologies – Improving the efficiency of solar panels, exploring new materials for photovoltaic cells, or creating novel solar concentrator systems.
  • Biomass and bioenergy research – Investigating and optimising the conversion of biomass resources into biofuels, biogas, or bioenergy, and developing new bioenergy production processes. 
  • Waste-to-energy solutions – Converting waste materials, such as agricultural residues or municipal solid waste, into renewable energy sources like biogas, syngas, or heat.
  • Smart grid and energy management systems – Creating intelligent energy management solutions, such as smart grid technologies, demand response systems, and real-time energy monitoring for better energy distribution and utilisation.
  • Hydroelectric innovations – Working on more efficient and environmentally friendly hydropower systems, including new turbine designs or fish-friendly fish passages.
Solar Panels on the rooftop.

You are in a strong position to qualify for R&D claims if you have:

Created something new
Designed a different process
Improved an existing product in an appreciable way

Ask Yourself

  • Did you conduct R&D activities to develop new products, processes, or services or to improve existing ones?
  • Did the R&D activities involve the resolution of technical uncertainties or challenges that could not be solved by using existing knowledge?
  • Did your products or services require extensive trial and testing throughout the creation process?

If you are answering yes, you may qualify to claim back up to 33.4% of eligible R&D expenditure through HMRC’s R&D Tax Relief Initiative. Contact one of our R&D tax credit specialists to seek further advice on how to proceed with your R&D claim.

Do I Qualify

The claim process

We understand the complications that can often arise when completing an R&D claim, not to mention the significant amount of time it can consume, diverting your attention from driving your innovation forward. That's why we have streamlined a transparent and hassle-free process that follows a step-by-step approach from start to finish.

Throughout your R&D claim process, we maintain open lines of communication tailored to your preferences. Once we have compiled comprehensive technical and financial reports, we take the responsibility of submitting them and proactively follow up with HMRC, leading the communication on your behalf. Often, our next contact with you brings the exhilarating news of success and positive outcomes.

Step 1

We'll gain your authorisation via our client instruction form/NDA. This will enable us to discuss your R&D activities along with your current tax position.

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Step 2

We'll analyse the profit & loss (P&L) statement of the business while facilitating your technical call. This step aims to determine whether your case is feasible from both technical and financial perspectives.

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Step 3

Once our experts are confident that your case meets the R&D eligibility criteria, we will then gather all the required technical information and financial documentation according to HMRC's standards to support your case.

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Step 4

At this stage, we initiate a stringent compliance procedure that we have developed in-house to audit your R&D claim application. We verify whether it meets the defined standards before submitting it to HMRC to ensure a positive outcome.

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Step 5

After conducting a comprehensive review of your R&D claim, including all required documentation, the application will be forwarded to HMRC for further processing.

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Step 6

Our team maintains continuous contact with HMRC regarding your case. If any queries arise, we address them on your behalf using a highly systematic approach to maximise your outcome while minimising any delays in your repayment.

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Get Started

Our hassle-free and streamlined process is waiting for you to get started and to make you feel confident throughout your R&D claim application.
0161 457 8100 Start your claim

Your guide to
R&D tax credits

Gain access to valuable insights from our experts in R&D tax credits, empowering you with essential information to ensure a successful claim, ultimately injecting funds back into your account.