Orion Energy, an independent developer of wind energy projects in the USA, has been acquired by BP Alternative Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP.

Orion has developed approximately 1,300MW of wind projects, with 30 active development projects in 16 states and a potential total generating capacity in excess of 6,000MW. 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 15,000MW.