The Only U.S. Focused Solution Selected for the 2022 MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge is a Black-Owned Company

by: Anthony Kinslow II, Ph.D., CEM

The Only U.S. Focused Solution Selected for the 2022 MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge is a Black-Owned Company

The Only One
Today, it feels good to be the only one. As an African American in the Clean Energy space, being the only one is often disheartening. I was the only one in my Ph.D. program. I was the only one during an RMI week-long intensive Spring semester class. I was often the only one in meetings when I consulted at SFIA. However, today being the only one is a source of pride. I am the only U.S. based solution to win the 2022 MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge. Gemini Energy Solutions and our Clean Energy Hub solution is a 2022 MIT Solver! During the MIT Solve Challenge Finals, I was able to spend two full days with an international cohort of social entrepreneurs doing some amazing work to accelerate our clean energy transition, improving the health and security of those least privileged, and leveraging innovative technology to adapt to the changing climate. We all understood the Urgency of Now and are working to step up to the Challenge.

 Fellow 2022 Climate: Ecosystems + Housing Solvers:
Raphaël Ascoli 莫海峰 | Inés Serra Baucells | Mtamu Kililo | 
Joaquin Gastelbondo | Felipe Villela | Gayatri Datar | Wolf Bierens

Black and Brown Innovators Program
While I was the only one in the Climate challenge, I was surrounded by some awesome Black and Brown entrepreneurs focused in The Care Economy, Re-engaging Learners, and Equitable Health Systems. MIT Solve launching the Black and Brown Innovators in the US Program is an exciting opportunity that I am blessed to be part of. 

Fellow 2022 MIT Solver teams: Black and Brown Innovators in the U.S.:

Vanessa Castaneda Gill (AVA)

Nidhi Mirani (Carina Care Matching Platform)

Ashley Barrow (Re-Assist)

Erica Plybeah (MedHaul)

Atif Jared (Tarjimly: Translating for Humanity)

Our Winning Solution 
Clean Energy Hubs transform community anchor organizations into revenue-generating microgrids, growing wealth and resiliency for their communities. They have solar power, energy storage, energy efficiency and bi-directional electric vehicle charging stations, along with environmental education and workforce development programs. 

Gemini works with community anchors - trusted institutions with regular community interaction - to equitable distribute these benefits. These organizations are able to provide a safe, emissions-free haven, add multiple new revenue streams, provide familiarity of clean technology, introduce clean energy career opportunities, and ensure that reliable and flexible power is always accessible to their community. The benefits of a clean energy hub are maximized during emergency situations with the potential to provide power to medical devices, cooked meals, and shelter from the weather. 
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In short, Clean Energy Hubs create a regenerative, clean energy ecosystem and act as a catalyst for the community by promoting education, familiarity, and access to this clean energy ecosystem.

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What's Next
Our goal is to establish a Clean Energy Hub in all 13,581 Justice40 communities by 2030. We are planning for rapid expansion to meet this audacious goal. With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act the table is set. So, stay tuned, the best is yet to come!