Joined 2019, USA – I’ve been involved in the energy industry for over 30 years, starting my career in the conventional energy sector, well before renewable energy was considered a viable prospect. I made the jump to renewables 15 years ago, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to contribute to the deployment, economic viability and mainstream adoption of utility-scale solar and wind as vital tools in the evolution towards a more sustainable electric system.

When I joined Lightsource bp, we were gearing up for the expansion of our solar activities across the US and the Americas, a key region for the company’s ambitious plans to help drive the global transition to low carbon energy. With our like-minded goals, along with bp as an invested partner, I knew that by joining this impressive team we could work together to enact real change in the industry, become a leader in the US solar market, and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change. We’ve exceeded my expectations, by far.

From where I started in the industry, it’s been exciting for me to see that solar has become one of the cheapest sources of new build generation for most of the world’s energy generation. This has spurred incredible growth at Lightsource bp, and led to our development of projects in a broader range of states across the US including locations such as Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Kansas – not just the high solar states.

Lightsource bp expanded into North America in late 2017, and what we’ve achieved since then has been incredible. It’s been a wild ride, with a stellar and incredibly capable team, not just in the US but worldwide. Lightsource bp has a unique spirit of collaboration, and he most rewarding aspect of my role has been working with the team to advance people’s careers and to foster our culture of inclusion and equity.

Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas

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