SoftBank Corp.
SoftBank Corp.
12/27/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/27/2023 02:33
Energy Saving “Eco-Denki App” from SB Power Takes the World Stage at COP28
The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), was successfully held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The Japan Pavilion, hosted by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, was a highlight of the event, and an energy saving service for households from SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) group company SB Power was a featured part of the exhibit. The occasion marked a first for a Japan-based telecommunications operator to be showcased at a COP-related event.
SB Power displayed their "Eco-Denki App," which makes it possible to encourage customers to save energy through a smartphone app that utilizes group company Encored Japan's proprietary AI algorithm and patented technology. Using their smartphones, customers can check and predict future electricity bills, monitor their energy-saving progress, and see how much they have reduced carbon emissions. Customers with successful energy saving results can receive PayPay points on the following day. In addition to being cost effective, the service is contributing to decarbonization by changing consumer behavior.
Due to the international scarcity of successful examples of incentivizing consumers to reduce household energy usage, the service's gamified approach to energy-saving has been highly evaluated. SB Power's unique approach allows consumers to enjoy the process of saving energy while reducing their carbon emissions, and the innovation led to the app's selection for inclusion at the event.
Exhibit draws dignitaries and visitors from 67 countries
The booth used digital signage to display introductory videos and live demonstrations. The exhibit attracted visitors from 67 countries, and generated high interest particularly among people from populous regions with unstable power supplies, such as India and countries in Africa.
Dignitaries and officials, including Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike, Minister of the Environment of Japan Shintaro Ito, the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea Han Wha-jin, and the Regent and Crown Prince of Pahang, Malaysia, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, also visited the exhibit in the Japan Pavilion.
Governor Koike gets briefed on the initiative
Prime Minister Kishida (center) with SoftBank company representatives, including Akihiko Nakano, President & CEO of SB Power (to his left)
Eyeing global expansion for the service
At a seminar held on December 8, Akihiko Nakano, President & CEO of SB Power, spoke about the energy saving service, emphasizing its gamified elements that incentivize consumers to reduce energy usage. "With the service currently being used by over 3 million households in Japan, our next aim is to contribute to decarbonization in households worldwide," he said.
During an interactive session after the seminar, members of the audience asked about the challenges of getting more consumers to change their behavior, and what next steps might be, which indicated a high level of interest in the topic.
More information on the Eco-Denki App and this initiative can be found in this press release.
(Posted on December 27, 2023)
by SoftBank News Editors