United Kingdom

Our story

How Lightsource began

From kilowatts to gigawatts in 10 years

Lightsource bp was founded as Lightsource Renewable Energy in 2010. We started as a small UK start-up, formed of six people, with a plan to put retail investment into solar energy projects.

In just a few months, Lightsource became the UK’s largest solar energy company, investing in and delivering many of the UK’s first utility-scale solar projects.

Our first utility-scale solar project we delivered was a 700 kilowatts site in the UK. By comparison, today some of our largest developments produce 600 megawatts, with larger still to come!

Our partnership with bp

Accelerating the world’s transition to a low-carbon energy future

Lightsource and bp first entered into partnership in 2017. Most recently, bp has announced the intention to fully acquire Lightsource bp, which currently operates as a 50/50 joint venture with bp.

It is an exciting time for both companies, as it brings to bp our world-class onshore renewable power development capability which will be a critical enabler for delivery of their transformation into an integrated energy company.

Our vision for the future

25 gigawatts by 2025

We’ve spent over a decade driving solar forward, from development right through to managing and operating solar projects across our wide-spread portfolio.

As we continue to grow rapidly, we have ambitious aims for the future. We’ve recently announced that we’re aspiring to deliver 25 gigawatts of solar by 2025. This emphasises our commitment to helping the world’s energy system decarbonise at the rapid pace required.

See how we’re doing this through our solar projects.

Thinking outside the box

Working in 50:50 partnership with an integrated energy major like bp gives us the ability to scale, but also to think outside the box – from green hydrogen to innovative power pricing structures. There is so much opportunity to address the global energy transition in partnership.

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Our culture and people

Driving Lightsource bp is a team of people, working right across the world. Visit the page below to see more about our culture, values, and what makes us shine.

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Our leadership

People are the core of our success at Lightsource bp, and this starts with our board members and executive team.

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Careers

Join Lightsource bp

Choose a career where you are empowered to change the world! If you are passionate about accelerating the energy transition, and looking to join a global collaboration of team members focused on delivering sustainable power, visit our careers page to find out more about working at Lightsource bp.