North American Windpower: BP Alternative Energy Purchases Wind Power Developer

BP Alternative Energy Purchases Wind Power Developer

by NAW Staff Friday December 22 2006

Oakland, Calif.-based Orion Energy, an independent developer of wind energy projects in the U.S., has been acquired by Houston-based BP Alternative Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP.

"We have undertaken a rigorous process to find the right strategic partner for Orion," said Michael Haas, president of Orion. "We chose BP because of the company's long-standing commitment to find practical solutions to climate change, its financial strength and proven ability to develop long-term energy projects, and BP's significant presence in the traded U.S. electricity markets."

Orion has developed approximately 1,300 MW of wind projects, with 30 active development projects in 16 states and a potential total generating capacity in excess of 6,000 MW. With the acquisition of Orion, BP's North American wind portfolio includes an opportunity to develop almost 100 projects with a potential total generating capacity of about 15,000 MW.

According to Orion representatives, this acquisition includes a substantial portion of Orion's existing development assets with certain projects excluded from the sale.

Latest Top Stories

Post-FIT Decision, Turbine OEMs Mull Over Options For Ontario Wind Energy Market

Under political pressure, the Ontario government recently pulled the plug on its landmark feed-in tariff (FIT) program for large-scale renewable energy projects, leaving provincial suppliers and manufacturers with an uncertain future.

Continent's First Grid-Connected Offshore Wind Turbine Floats In Maine Waters

Billed as a historic day for offshore wind in North America, researchers flipped the switch on a floating prototype. This marks the first electrons from an offshore wind turbine to flow into the region's grid.

Raising The Discourse: How Wind Industry Can Help Avoid 'Climate Emergency'

Larry Schweiger, the president/CEO at the National Wildlife Federation, says the wind industry is an important ally to combat global warming, which is triggering dangerous and unprecedented weather events around the world.

The Numbers Don't Lie: U.S. Utilities Continue To Embrace Wind Energy

Last year, more than 40% of U.S. utilities reported having wind energy on their systems, proving the fact that utilities continue to integrate wind in growing numbers – and, in some cases, at unprecedented levels.

BOEM To Award Mass., R.I. Offshore Wind Leases; Pre-Qualifies Nine Developers

In July, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will auction nearly 165,000 acres off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts to facilitate offshore wind development.