The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA) is seeking an experienced Energy Executive in Residence (EEIR) to accelerate the commercialization of TechnBloom, a first-of-its-kind Community Solar Living Lab in Prince George’s County, founded by Justin Alford.
This strategic role will guide the foundational phase of the project, positioning it as the premier clean energy research hub in the Mid-Atlantic. The EEIR will lead business strategy, secure high-value land assets, and build long-term partnerships with universities, corporations, and local stakeholders.
This role is focused on strategy, finance, and institutional diplomacy, ensuring our project is positioned as the premier clean energy research hub in the Mid-Atlantic.
Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Strategic Land Acquisition & Development
- Identify and secure suitable acreage in PG County, prioritizing sites with high grid-capacity and proximity to educational corridors.
- Navigate the 2026 Maryland SUNRISE Act and HB 1195 requirements to ensure our site qualifies for maximum state capacity reservations.
- Manage the pre-development “red tape,” including zoning, environmental assessments, and the Pepco interconnection queue.
2. University & Institutional Partnerships
- Act as the liaison to UMD College Park, Bowie State, Howard University and University of DC to formalize the Living Lab concept.
- Structure data-sharing agreements that allow university researchers to use our site for studies on agrivoltaics, battery storage, and grid-edge technology.
- Design the Workforce Pipeline structure, ensuring the solar farm serves as a hands-on lab where high school and college students can earn NABCEP certifications.
3. Financial & Regulatory Stewardship
- Assist building the business model to maximize Federal IRA tax credits, specifically the Low-Income Bonus Adders.
- Structure the LMI subscription model to provide the mandated 20–25% bill savings for PG County residents.
- Oversee the application process for Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Sustainable Energy grants.
Executive Profile
- The Connector: You have a deep network within Prince George’s County and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
- The Architect: You understand how to make a project profitable while serving the community and the planet.
- The Diplomat: You can speak the language of a real estate developer, a university provost, and a utility engineer.
To learn more about TechnBloom, visit their website here.
If you or someone in your network is interested, please reach out to MEIA to learn more.