Tesla CEO Picks Fukushima For Solar Power Advocacy
SOMA, Fukushima Pref. (Nikkei)--The city of Soma has received a 250,000 dollar donation for a solar power project from Tesla Motors Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, a solar energy advocate who sees the need for subsidies on a par with those for nuclear power.
- Elon Musk
Commercial solar power generation would not make economic sense in Japan unless the government slashes red tape and offers more generous subsidies, Musk told The Nikkei in an interview after his announcement here Friday. In addition to suffering from the massive earthquake and tsunami in March, Soma is facing radioactive fallout from the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant 43km to the south.
"Regulation-clearing work usually amounts to 10-30% of total solar power system installation cost in Japan," Musk said, noting that "paperwork does not generate power."
Musk also pointed to hidden but sizable government subsidies for nuclear power, in such forms as research and development outlays, multiple regulatory and administrative organizations, and subsidies to local communities.
"At least an equal level of tax money should be allocated to solar energy, because it is far safer and cleaner than nuclear power," he said.
The donation was made through his Musk Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports research in renewable energy and space exploration. Musk is also CEO of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and nonexecutive chairman of California solar power system installer SolarCity.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan abruptly announced earlier this month his policy to reduce the nation's reliance on nuclear energy, but did not present any practical means of doing so. In the meantime, interest in solar power is growing among business leaders and local government officials. Japan faces potential power shortages and higher electric bills as many nuclear power plants are forced to halt operations in light of safety concerns.
--Based on an interview conducted by senior Nikkei staff writer Takehiko Koyanagi
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