BP returns to solar power with $200m stake in Lightsource

Tie-up with Europe's biggest solar developer will focus on alternative energy projects in US, India and Middle East

BP has paid $200m (149m) for a 43% stake in Europe's biggest solar developer, marking its return to the sector from which it withdrew six years ago.

The investment in the London-based Lightsource marks a turnaround for the British oil firm, which rebranded as Beyond Petroleum in 2000 but shut its alternative energy headquarters nine years later.