Our renewables.digital research team has identified Lightsource BP as the United Kingdom`s largest renewable energy developer, with a renewable capacity of over 11.800 MW. Based on the company’s installed capacity, investment volume and project pipeline, the renewables.digital team concludes that Lightsource BP is one of the largest renewable energy developers not only in the UK but also in Europe.
Which renewable energy assets is Lightsource BP developing?
Lightsource BP has over a decade of experience in developing solar energy projects. Founded in 2010 as Lightsource Renewable Energy, the company developed its first solar park the following year. Since 2017, it has been gradually taken over by the oil company BP, which rebranded it in the same year. By 2024, BP had completed its acquisition of the company. The acquisition of Lightsource marks an important step in bp’s transformation into an integrated energy company with a diverse portfolio and substantial renewable energy capacity. BP’s involvement has significantly boosted Lightsource’s growth, especially after 2024 when BP doubled its investments in the company. The goal is to become a global leader in onshore renewables.
So far, Lightsource BP has only developed utility-scale renewable energy projects. The total installed capacity has already reached 11,500 MW across 330 projects. The total global solar development pipeline amounts to a further 58 GW. Regarding its installed capacity, Lightsource calls itself the largest solar developer in Europe and the third largest worldwide outside of China. Lightsource is re-evaluating its business strategy for 2025, particularly with regard to potential entry into the wind energy sector.
Overview of Lightsource BP’s portfolio and pipeline
Lightsource BP currently employs more than 1,200 people in 20 countries. Its key markets are the USA, Brazil, Europe and Australia. BP entered the Japanese market in 2024. From its headquarters in London and in partnership with its regional offices worldwide, the renewable energy company developed 3 GW of assets in 2024 alone, representing a capacity increase of over 30%. In the same year, Lightsource BP completed its first battery energy storage (BESS) project from its multi-gigawatt global pipeline. Furthermore, 10 Power Purchase Agreements were signed, with 1.3 GW contracted. Their three largest projects under development are the 585 MW Goulburn River Solar Project in Australia, the 700 MW Jones City Energy Center in Texas, and the 875 MW Central Solar Sophia in Portugal.
At the beginning of 2025, BP announced that it would significantly decrease its investment in renewable energy projects. Plans include reducing investment in energy transition activities by over $5 billion per year. We are therefore monitoring the development of the Lightsource BP business intensively, as well as keeping an eye on whether other players are taking its place as the largest renewable energy developer in the United Kingdom.
Alternative candidates for the United Kingdom renewable energy developer ranking
Our team also considered several other prominent renewable energy developers in the UK for the top position.
Renewable Energy Systems (RES) describes itself as the world’s largest independent renewable energy company. By 2025, it had developed or constructed 28 GW of renewable energy projects worldwide. It also supports 43 GW of operational assets through its growing services division. RES operates in 24 countries, where it is working on projects involving wind, solar, battery storage and green hydrogen. The company is currently developing an additional 26 GW of renewable energy projects.
Both RES and Lightsource BP deserve to be recognised as the UK’s largest renewable energy developers. However, Lightsource is currently holding the spot as the largest solar developer worldwide, which is why we have chosen to feature Lightsource BP as our number one.
SSE Renewables Limited, headquartered in Perth, is a major developer of renewable energy projects, with a focus on wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage. While the United Kingdom remains its core market, the company also has a growing presence in continental Europe and Japan. To date, SSE Renewables has commissioned 5 GW of renewable capacity and is currently building an additional 2.4 GW. Its secured development pipeline totals 19.1 GW.
SSE Renewables is an important player in the renewable energy sector, but it has developed less than half of the capacity that Lightsource BP has.
Green Investment Group (GIG), based in Edinburgh, is one of the world’s largest dedicated green infrastructure investment and development teams. Following its full acquisition, it became part of Sydney-based Macquarie Group Limited. Now, GIG plays a key role in accelerating the global energy transition. The group manages a broad portfolio of renewable energy projects across the globe, including offshore and onshore wind farms as well as solar farms. Its offshore wind assets alone contribute approximately 8 GW of installed capacity.
Picture Source: Nicholas Doherty via Unsplash
