Takumi Morita, President and CEO of Loop Inc.

Being aware of connections and having a broad perspective will create the future

President and CEO of Loop Inc.　Takumi Morita(Takumi Morita）

■ Profile
After working as a systems engineer, project manager, and general manager (chief operating officer) at the Chinese subsidiary of an internet venture, he joined Loop in 2012. He has served as the general manager and director of the solar power plant EPC business, solar and wind power generation business, and director in charge of the electricity retail business, management strategy, and financial strategy departments, before assuming his current position in April 2023. He graduated from the Faculty of Education at Tokyo Gakugei University and completed his graduate studies at the Keio University Graduate School of Business and Finance.

Loop is committed to promoting renewable energy and continues to take on challenges in solar power generation, wind power generation, and electricity retailing. Overcoming fluctuations in the electricity market and rising resource prices, the company is working to create a sustainable future. What is the company's approach to not just providing energy, but also understanding consumer needs and prioritizing them for future generations? We spoke to President Takami Morita about the appeal of the company and its new challenges.

Like many other students, I was passionate about earning money during my student days. While working part-time jobs at various places, including izakayas and resorts, I began to wonder, "How can I earn money efficiently?" As a result, I turned my attention to programming and IT-related jobs, which offered good pay at the time. Through a friend's introduction and through part-time jobs that welcomed beginners, I was able to get a job at a web application development company. To my surprise, the company was staffed almost entirely by students, with the exception of the CEO and sales staff. So, in my third year of university, I started working part-time as a programmer, searching for ways to earn money while learning new skills. Having missed the job-hunting period, I decided to go to graduate school. I used my time there to gain new experiences. As part of this, I served as a tutor for international students, which led to my next turning point. My interactions with international students from China gave me a new perspective on my career and life planning. Believing that I might discover something new in China, I decided to take the plunge and go there during my first year of graduate school.

■Shanghai Experience: Dynamic Growth and Meeting Loop

After moving to Shanghai, I began working for a Japanese company, supporting offshore development. At the time, China's economy was growing rapidly, and I was overwhelmed by its energy and dynamic environment. I witnessed remarkable development, such as the expansion of the subway system, which initially had only two lines, to over 20 in just a few years. However, the 2008 financial crisis brought about a dramatic change in the external environment. Demand for offshore development from Japan plummeted, and local subsidiaries rapidly downsized. I experienced firsthand the economic hardships of our organization, which at its peak numbered 100 people, shrinking to around 20 in just a few years. After returning to Japan, I began looking for a new challenge, and that's when I came across Loop. I'd met founder Nakamura as futsal buddies in Shanghai, and when we reconnected, I felt a connection with Loop's philosophy and challenges, which were founded in the wake of the earthquake disaster, and decided to start anew there.

■We want to spread renewable energy in the 20 trillion yen market

The energy market is enormous, with limitless potential. The electricity supply business alone is estimated at ¥7 trillion, and the entire electricity industry is estimated at ¥20 trillion. Further growth is expected thanks to advances in decarbonization, AI, and digitalization. Loop offers services to efficiently utilize renewable energy. By adopting pricing plans linked to market prices, we have created a system that ensures renewable energy is not wasted and is provided to consumers at low cost. For example, our "Smart Time ONE" service, which prevents surplus electricity from being wasted, is a groundbreaking attempt to effectively utilize renewable energy. Furthermore, we do more than simply provide energy; we understand consumer needs and strive to make them realize the benefits of renewable energy through a variety of services. We also place importance on educational activities for future generations and community-based initiatives, aiming to spread renewable energy throughout society.

■The important thing is to understand your role and work accordingly

At Loop, we want people who understand their own and the company's role and can act to solve social issues. The energy industry faces a wide range of challenges, and the reality is that it is difficult for one company to solve them alone. This requires the ability to identify the role each company must play while collaborating with other companies and organizations. We also require people who are not just able to come up with ideas, but also the drive to put them into action and implement them in society. We welcome people who share our vision and can make the most of their abilities.

■Message to university students

To all university students, I would like to convey the importance of simply taking action. For me, the various challenges and experiences I had as a student have become the foundation of my current career. Be aware of the connections between things and act with a broad perspective. For example, when it comes to renewable energy, you need to consider what impact your current efforts will have in the future. By acting while understanding geographical and temporal connections, you can expand your future possibilities. Finally, gain experience in a variety of fields, keep in mind the importance of being aware of connections, and move forward with faith in your own potential.

Interview with Suzuki Junki, a fourth-year student at Nihon University, published on November 13, 2024 by Student Newspaper Online

Yurie Watanabe, 1st year student at Josai International University / Rinno Koshiyama, 2nd year student at Toyo University / Junnosuke Suzuki, 4th year student at Nihon University