• “In March 2002 Lord Browne of Madingley declared in a speech that global warming was real and that urgent action was needed, saying that ‘Companies composed of highly skilled and trained people can’t live in denial of mounting evidence gathered by hundreds of the most reputable scientists in the world.’ In 2005 BP was considering testing carbon sequestration in one of its North Sea oil fields, by pumping carbon dioxide into them (and thereby also increasing yields)” BP is also a leading producer of solar panels. In 2004, BP began marketing low-sulphur diesel fuel for industrial use. BP intends to create a network of hydrogen fueling stations in the state of California…However, some environmental groups have accused BP of trying to greenwash their public image, and that their alternative energy credentials are not serious investments but merely a PR exercise.”

• “The Green Life named BP as One of the Worst Greenwashers of 2003. The company was named to the list “for suggesting in its ‘On the Street’ marketing campaign that the oil company is satisfying consumers’ environmental concerns, while its continued support for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is at odds with public opinion.”

—Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BP

I have heard several times that BP bought up small solar operations, claimed their green PR / street cred, and then destroyed them, preventing their success and fostering continued dependence on fossil fuels. Although this would serve their interest, I can also imagine the company realizing an opportunity for competitive advantage in a burgeoning field of energy service. I'd love to see some lively discussion by others in the know.