On November 9, Rikke Lind, Norway’s deputy trade minister, and Trond Sæterstad, Elkem Solar’s senior vice president, started a 15 million yen solar plant at Ishinomaki Commercial High School in Tohoku, one of hardest-hit areas by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan earlier this year. Hundreds of students were present at the opening ceremony of the solar system Elkem had donated.
“Elkem’s donation serves as a good example of Norwegian companies’ social responsibility. I hope everybody could be inspired by it,” said Rikke Lind.
“There is a long history of deep friendship and solid relationship between Elkem and its Japanese partners. We feel compelled to help those suffering from the tragedy this March. We also hope the solar cell system will arouse young people’s interest in renewable energy and encourage them to become promoters for sustainable energy in the future. We appreciate the assistance and participation of the deputy minister, Norwegian embassy and Norwegian Innovation Bureau and also extend our thanks to our Japanese partners Kyocera, Silicon Plus and S-Power, whose participation makes this project a model,” said Trond Sæterstad.