GE and BP join forces

General Electric and BP have joined forces to create a consortium that will share technology in a bid to create green energy.
The Global Leadership and Technology Exchange (GLTE) has been designed for companies to combine key parts of their research labs to help create environmentally friendly solutions. Other companies involved in the consortium include computer giant IBM and shipping firm Wilhelmsen.
One of the first targets is to design a new method of propelling freight ships, using technology such as fuel cells or solar panels.
“Everything can be copied these days. Within a year, factories in China could be making products identical to western versions. But by pooling our resources with companies like GE, we can become more innovative more quickly,” explained Ingar Skaug, chief executive of Wilhelmsen and inaugural chairman of GLTE.