Gemini Energy Solutions Receives $50,000 Grant from The Kresge Foundation to Change the Paradigm in Clean Energy

by Adrian C Guzman

​Gemini Energy Solutions, a pioneering Black-owned and Black-led energy audit and cleantech company, is proud to announce the receipt of a transformative $50,000 grant from The Kresge Foundation. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Gemini Energy Solutions' mission to equitably accelerate and scale energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization, with a focus on historically marginalized communities.

​At the core of Gemini Energy Solutions' mission is the commitment to “changing the paradigm” in clean energy. The company is guided by Donella Meadows' Levers of Intervention, recognizing that Changing the Paradigm is the most impactful lever for creating lasting change. Gemini Energy Solutions' approach revolves around producing revenue-generating microgrids that are owned by local churches, thereby shifting the dynamics in profound ways:

• Perception of the Black Church: By transforming churches into active participants in the clean energy revolution, Gemini Energy Solutions challenges the perception of the Black church as merely a consumer of energy. Instead, they become vital contributors to a sustainable future.
• Community Empowerment: This innovative approach also redefines the power dynamics between the community and their utility providers, giving communities more control over their energy sources, costs, and resilience.​
• Local Government Collaboration: Gemini Energy Solutions' model also fosters positive collaborations between local governments and communities, aligning interests in achieving cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

Gemini Energy Solutions' CEO, Dr. Anthony Kinslow II, emphasizes the profound impact of this paradigm shift: "The ability to have revenue generation as opposed to simply a lower energy bill can be the difference of whether that church is able to continue to exist to positively impact their community. A common statistic reference is: '…the average lifespan of the dollar is approximately 28 days in Asian communities, 19 days in Jewish communities, 17 days in white communities — and just six hours in Black communities.' It is well documented that part of the wealth gap can be attributed to the lack of money circulating in the Black community. The result of revenue generation by an entity anchored in the community has a multiplier effect that is hard to calculate.re to edit.

​The impacts of Gemini Energy Solutions' work are manifold, including:

• Local Economic Growth: The hiring of local businesses and individuals to build and maintain clean energy infrastructure, creating jobs and supporting local entrepreneurship.
• Workforce Development: Providing opportunities for local workforce development in areas such as security, administration, and clean energy servicing.
• Community Expansion: Enabling churches to expand their community outreach and support initiatives.
• Improved Infrastructure: Upgrading building infrastructure to be more energy-efficient and resilient.​
• Decarbonization: Helping other businesses and individuals in the community transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

​The indirect impacts are equally significant, with potential benefits including expanded community education, opportunities to secure local government contracts related to clean energy, and acting as a catalyst for broader decarbonization efforts.

​With The Kresge Foundation's generous support, Gemini Energy Solutions is poised to accelerate its groundbreaking work in transforming not only the energy landscape but also the economic and social fabric of underserved communities.