![]() Renewable Energy Partners founder Jamez Staples said the origin of the pilot began several years ago when he and several nonprofit and government officials attended a microgrid boot camp at the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado. More than 40 cities are now studying resilience hubs, with Minneapolis being among the leaders in locating sites and moving forward with projects. The city, in collaboration with civic groups, established seven centers where residents can take refuge when their air conditioning falters during blackouts or when other climate disasters occur. Baltimore established the nation’s first resiliency hubs in 2014. The resiliency hub concept emerged in the U.S. Sign up for free to get the latest delivered straight to your inbox. Get connectedĮvery morning, thousands of energy professionals turn to our newsletters for the day’s most important news. All three were chosen in large part because of their ability to serve disadvantaged residents who are most vulnerable to risks from climate change. The other partners include the Minneapolis American Indian Center and Renewable Energy Partners, a Black-owned clean energy developer that also runs a green jobs training center in North Minneapolis. “They will act as safe spaces from the weather and provide services such as food distribution, communications, energy and acting as a triage center for community members seeking support.” “These sites will be our first response centers in emergencies,” said Kim Havey, sustainability director for the city of Minneapolis. The company will partner with BIPOC-led organizations to develop solar, battery energy storage systems, and microgrid technology at each location. ![]() State regulators approved the $9 million project last month as part of a broader grid modernization plan. ![]() ![]() The community center is one of three sites selected for Xcel Energy’s Resilient Minneapolis Project. Soon, Sabathani will add “resilience hub” to that list, too, providing food, shelter, cooling, and electricity in the event of power outages, heat waves, and other emergencies that are likely to increase with climate change. One of Minnesota’s oldest African American-founded nonprofits, the center offers everything from a food shelf and clothing closet to senior housing and small-business office space. Six blocks from George Floyd Square in the heart of South Minneapolis, the Sabathani Community Center is a pillar of its culturally diverse neighborhood. ![]()
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