Softbank Promotes Renewable Energy in Korea

Masayoshi Son, Softbank Corp. president, met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on June 20 to discuss the promotion of renewable energy such as solar power and wind power.

At a news conference after their meeting, Son said he agreed with Lee on closer cooperation between Japan and South Korea in developing and providing state-of-the-art natural energy technology to other countries.

The telecommunications giant CEO also said his company will contribute to the development of smart grids–the next generation power grid–using its advanced information technology.

South Korea, which relies on more than 30 percent of its total power supply on nuclear power, has not changed its plan to increase its number of nuclear power plants even after the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

Son said since most nuclear accidents were caused by human error, countries less prone to earthquakes should not feel so safe about nuclear power plants, suggesting that South Korea should not depend heavily on nuclear power.

www.koreaittimes.com/