BP and Japanese power generator JERA have agreed to form a standalone joint venture combining their offshore wind operations, a major step in CEO Murray Auchincloss¡¯ efforts to reduce BP¡¯s focus on renewables.

BP¡¯s retreat from offshore wind reflects a similar trend by rivals Shell and Equinor which are trying to boost near-terms profits by spending more on higher-return oil and gas operations.

The 50-50 venture, called JERA Nex BP, will include operating assets and development projects with a potential generation capacity of 13 gigawatts, the two companies said in a statement.