Transforming energy through innovation
As a global independent power producer, we are always looking at improving how we develop, build and operate projects. Since our early beginnings, we have had an innovative spirit; it’s part of our DNA.
Our in-house experts, including our engineers, data scientists, developers and power marketing teams, continually explore innovative solutions to unlock new renewable energy opportunities and solve challenges to meet the growing global energy needs.
Efficient project execution
Lightsource bp drives the global energy transition by leveraging artificial intelligence, predictive data analytics, and advanced engineering to optimise the development, construction and operational performance of utility-scale renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
We utilise our dedicated Applied AI team to transition solar asset protection and management from manual, reactive tasks to autonomous, data-driven methodologies.
Project Whiskeyball
Extreme weather events are increasing operational risks for many sectors globally. A specific risk facing solar farms in some locales, is damage to solar modules from very large hail stones – or as we call them, ‘whiskey balls’. Faced with a challenge – we sought an innovative solution. We developed our comprehensive hail mitigation programme, Project Whiskeyball, integrating engineering, advanced predictive meteorology and machine-to-machine automation – transitioning asset protection from a manual, reactive process to an autonomous data-driven methodology.
At Lightsource bp, our approach is to work smarter: combining the expertise of our people with evidenced-based decision-making to protect long-term asset value, Project Whiskeyball, is one of the most advanced examples of this in action. Read the Johnson Corner case study to see how our integrated hail mitigation approach worked in detail and what this means for resilient asset management.
Showcased in WEF Innovation Playbook
In-house AI battery storage tool
With our in-house battery storage tool, we’ve developed software algorithms that calculate multiple real-time variables to determine optimal battery charging and discharging cycles.
New technology deployment
Decarbonisation through innovation
Lightsource bp is pioneering onsite battery storage which has the potential to nearly eliminate scope 2 emissions from specific solar sites, demonstrating how innovation can drive both environmental and financial value.
Solar sites require continuous power for essential overnight operations – security systems, SCADA monitoring, and permanent equipment loads like transformers – currently met entirely by grid imports. This overnight electricity consumption represents a significant portion of scope 2 emissions from our solar portfolio.
Our Innovation team has developed a small-scale onsite battery solution charged by solar PV during the day to meet the site’s overnight power demand. This simple solution is designed to reduce electricity imports by 95%, nearly eliminating scope 2 emissions from solar assets.
The project will be piloted at a UK site connected to the distribution network during 2026. If technical and financial viability can be proven, the pilot may be expanded to other existing sites from early 2027 onward, before future deployment to new-build sites.
This lever represents a transformational opportunity to nearly eliminate scope 2 emissions from some of our PV assets, with capital costs recoverable in a short period. It exemplifies how innovation can unlock sustainability progress alongside sound business economics.
Decarbonisation through innovation
Lightsource bp is piloting onsite battery storage which has the potential to significantly reduce scope 2 carbon emissions from specific solar sites, demonstrating how innovation can drive both environmental and financial value. Read our case study.
Commercially competitive solutions
We provide and manage innovative, flexible and hybrid assets and working with leading market experts around the world to provide commercially competitive solutions.
Data center integration
We are enabling direct renewable energy solutions for data centres. Through co-location, behind the meter supply and tailored energy purchase structures, we help power high-demand operations with reliable, renewable energy.
* 1.6GW of total, finalised development in December 2025 and are ready to start construction. Operational projects and projects in construction, Gross Lightsource bp ownership.