New MIRA and Itaipu Binacional Partnership Will Develop New Lithium Battery
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 collaborative 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. FPTI is located at Itaipu, the largest producer of accumulated clean and renewable energy in the world.
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 in areas such as hydrogen and liquid air.
MIRA and FPTI may have the first results within two years, and the development of local expertise and intellectual property in battery and battery management systems is expected to expedite the implementation of the electric and hybrid electric vehicle industry in Brazil as well as the application of renewable energy solutions in remote areas of the country
Armando Canales, General Manager at MIRA Brazil, said:
“MIRA has been established in Brazil for over three years now, 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. This will provide the platform for further energy storage developments plus the ability for MIRA to service a broader local customer base.”
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.”
