New MIRA and Itaipu Binacional Partnership Will Develop New Lithium Battery

FOZ DO IGUAÇU, Brazil, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

MIRA Ltd., a world-leading engineering, research and test consultancy with capabilities in electrical and hybrid systems, has announced a collaborative agreement with Fundação Parque Tecnológico Itaipu (FPTI) to develop a new centre of excellence for energy storage in Brazil.

As the first project of the agreement, research and development for a new and flexible architecture lithium battery for stationary power and transportation applications will be the focus.

The project entails the transfer of technology, and the joint development of new intellectual property, enabling FPTI to develop a leading position in energy storage technologies. The combination of MIRA expertise in the international automotive market together with FPTI's knowledge of energy production and storage for large stationary applications provides a solid base for the new battery development centre.

The modular approach for the battery will allow the design to cover the storage of green energy such as wind and solar for stationary applications, while in transportation, motorcycles, trucks and buses will be the primary focus.

In addition, the initial programme will provide the basis for further low-carbon developments.

Armando Canales, general manager at MIRA Brazil, said: "MIRA has been established in Brazil for over three years, and during this time we have fostered a strong relationship with Itaipu and FPTI. It is great that we have entered into this collaboration to develop state-of-the-art energy storage solutions, which support the development of the indigenous skills base by creating high technology jobs for both PTI and MIRA."

Declan Allen, Chief Operating Officer at MIRA, said: "Brazil is a key strategic growth territory for MIRA and this exciting collaboration provides the opportunity to apply and further develop relevant MIRA technology with the demanding environments and duty cycles of the territory.  It brings together two ambitious and capable partners with the intention to demonstrate Brazil's competitiveness in emerging technologies, with the associated environmental benefits and contributions to the local economy."

About MIRA 

MIRA Ltd is a world-leader in advanced engineering, research and product testing. For almost 70 years it has grown into a truly international organisation with facilities located around the world. MIRA's work spans the Automotive, Defence, Aerospace and Rail industries and includes the development of ground-breaking low carbon and autonomous vehicle technologies.

SOURCE MIRA Ltd