Solar, Wind and Geothermal Shine!

Here's what The Japan Times' Eric Johnston reports about an initiative from the private sector:


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

SON'S CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE
Son's quest for sun, wind has nuclear interests wary


By ERIC JOHNSTON
Staff writer

In late March, while engaging in volunteer work and making efforts to restore telecommunications networks in the quake-stricken Tohoku region, Softbank Corp. founder and Chairman Masayoshi Son met with evacuees from the area surrounding the troubled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

Days later, he returned to Tokyo and declared pursuit of a new energy policy, one emphasizing renewable sources, such as solar, wind and thermal energy, was needed.

In April, Son announced he would personally donate ¥1 billion to establish a foundation for that purpose.

The amount he's committing, and the political support he has received from local and national leaders, have sparked a national debate on the future of nuclear power versus renewable, and put the atomic power lobby on the defensive.