Mobile phone firm plans PV plants on Japan's ravaged coast

SoftBank, Japan’s third-largest mobile phone operator, could invest a significant percentage of its revenues in an ambitious project to expand solar power across the country, according to reports.

The company is considering building ten large solar power plants along eastern Japan, in a bid to reduce the country’s reliance on nuclear power and offer an economic boost to areas hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami, according to the Nikkei business daily.

SoftBank is expected to put up around 10% of the funding, with local governments providing about ¥100m ($1.22m) for each facility and the company likely to borrow the remainder from banks.

SoftBank tells Recharge that the project, and the amount to be invested, have…

Become a Recharge subscriber!

Or try our free trial.

Order Subscription

Already a member?

Login