Mesh Grid Systems for Innovative Rural Energy Communities (MIREC)

Introduction	Funded by the FAO ELEVATE Programme, MIREC aims to improve access to reliable and affordable energy to rural communities in Jamaica, using a mix of solar energy and bioenergy.
Country	Jamaica
Start date	17/04/2024
End date	31/12/2025
Status	Ongoing
Recipient / Target Areas	Jamaica
Objective / Goal	The project focuses on designing and simulating a mesh grid system for farming communities in rural Jamaica. The objective is to find the least-cost system configuration that reliably meets electricity demand using local renewable resources (specifically small-scale PV systems and biogas from agricultural residues). The system should include distributed agricultural sites, each with its own load profile and potential for on-site generation
Partners	FAO Jamaica Country Office and FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean
Beneficiaries	Rural communities, farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises in Jamaica
Activities	Organization & coordination, tool design & development, data collection, tool simulator deployment, workshops and capacity building, and communication/outreach.
Impact	The MIREC project will improve energy access and affordability in rural Jamaica by designing a cost-effective mesh grid system powered by local renewable resources, such as small-scale PV systems and biogas from agricultural waste. The project will enhance energy reliability, reduce costs, and support sustainable development in farming communities and SMEs. Aligned with SDG 7, MIREC promotes clean energy, strengthens local capacities, and serves as a model for rural energy solutions in the Caribbean
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