BP Wind Energy president joins AWEA board of directors

“The wind industry is a tremendous made-in-America story that has created thousands of manufacturing jobs and led to significant improvements in wind turbine technology and power generation,” said Graham. “I am honored to serve on the board of directors and to be in a position to help shape the strategic direction and policy advocacy necessary for the wind industry to continue to be a vital contributor to domestic energy security and diversity.

“Since 1992, the wind industry has endured a boom and bust cycle of development as the production tax credit (PTC) has expired and been renewed. But, the PTC is working and technological improvements brought on by the huge new investments in U.S. wind energy spurred by the PTC are allowing wind power to compete with other sources of energy. We understand the fiscal pressure the government is under and we want to be a part of the solution. We need an immediate extension of the PTC. What we are asking for is for the government to let us finish the job,” added Graham.

Graham has 26 years of international experience in the oil, gas and power industries holding a number of senior executive roles in oil marketing, operations, supply and trading, procurement and alternative energy for Mobil Oil, ExxonMobil and, since 2000, for BP. In 2003, he was appointed to the role of chief operating officer Supply & Trading Europe and Africa. In this role Graham was responsible for leading teams in London, Europe, Africa and Russia trading and supplying crude oil and fuel products. In 2007 he was appointed as global head of Supply & Trading Strategy, Planning and Performance. He joined BP Alternative Energy in 2008 and was appointed president and CEO of BP Wind Energy, Houston, Texas in 2009.

BP launched its wind powerbusiness in 2006 to deliver essential sources of energy and provide cost-competitive, renewable power to customers. The business now employs a team of highly professional and dedicated personnel, backed by a proven track record in constructing wind farms and on-going operational excellence.

BP Wind Energy has a gross installed capacity of nearly 2,000 MW that provides enough renewable power for nearly 600,000 average American homes. The company has over 630 MW in construction that it expects to have in commercial operation by year-end 2012.

www.bp.com