BMW has trialled a ’motionless’ wind energy system on top of its Mini plant in Oxford.
The pilot unit has been developed by US start-up Aeromine Technologies, which was founded in 2021 with the aim of bringing the wind energy to the rooftop power-generation market.
The system harnesses wind power to produce clean energy without visible moving parts.
BMW Group’s Oxford Plant will serve as a testbed for the cutting-edge technology, assessing its potential to improve energy efficiency across BMW sites around the world, as well as commercial buildings in the UK.
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The unit, which is installed on the edge of a building, oriented towards the prevailing wind, features wing-like vertical airfoils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to generate clean electricity rather like a race car.
Unlike traditional wind turbines, the bladeless design minimises noise and vibrations, ensuring no disturbance to buildings or the surrounding environment and with minimal impact on avian wildlife.
The first pilot unit was installed on the roof of BASF’s manufacturing plant in Michigan in 2022 and the start-up is installing additional pilot units, such as at BMW’s Oxford plant, before the full commercial product launch this year.
Carmen Gargioni, team lead innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management, said: “BMW Group is always looking for innovative and efficient solutions in every aspect of the business.
"New technologies are essential as we strive to find the most efficient solution to our requirements. This includes exciting innovations from new players.”
MINI Plant Oxford already has solar panels across the buildings on site.
The installation on the body shop has been in place for 10 years and, when it was installed, was one of the largest roof-mounted solar farms in the UK with more than 11,000 panels covering an area the size of five football pitches.
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The solar panels generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 850 households for a year.
However, they are less effective during winter and evening hours, when wind conditions are often strongest – presenting an opportunity for the wind energy unit to step in and continue generating renewable energy.
Claus Lønborg, managing director of Aeromine Technologies Inc., said: "Our 'motionless' wind energy technology is designed to work seamlessly alongside solar systems, maximising the renewable energy output from rooftops while helping address challenges like noise, vibrations, and wildlife impact.
"We’re excited to see how this initial installation can lead to broader applications across BMW’s global facilities.”
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