Lightsource bp named world’s largest solar developer

Lightsource bp has been named the world’s largest solar developer by market research firm Mercom Capital Partners.

Based on solar projects in operation, under construction and mature pipeline, the company topped the list that also included some of the world’s largest multinational utility companies.

The data covered the period July 2020 to June 2021. Mercom’s research gave Lightsource bp a 20GW development pipeline of plus 2.6GW of operational projects and just short of 1GW under construction for a total of 23.6GW.

“This is affirmation of our status as a global solar leader,” said Nick Boyle, Group CEO, Lightsource bp. “We set our ambition out last year — 25GW by 2025 — and we can see that this has propelled us into a sector-leading position. None of this would be possible without our amazing people around the world that have worked tirelessly to bring new opportunities to the table and deliver them responsibly.”

Mercom’s total figure does not include the 9GW pipeline of projects Lightsource bp is delivering under a development services agreement for bp. When operational, those sites will be wholly-owned by bp. The deal for bp’s acquisition of the 7X portfolio was announced just outside the Mercom research period.

Lightsource bp’s early-stage opportunities is more than 50GW as the company looks to make progress in the 18 countries where it is currently operating.

Lightsource bp has been recognised as the second largest developer in the US by Solar Power World and is set to become the leading solar player in Australia by year-end.

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