BMW launches UK-first trial for ‘motionless’ wind turbine

BMW Group has launched a trial of the UK's first ‘motionless’ wind energy system at its MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. 

The system, developed by Aeromine Technologies, employs a novel technology that captures wind energy without the moving parts visible in traditional turbines. Installed at the edge of the roof, it uses wing-like vertical airfoils to create a vacuum effect, generating electricity through an internal propeller. 

The supposed benefits of this design is that it should significantly reduce noise and vibration, pose no disruption to the surrounding environment or buildings, and have minimal impact on birds.

BMW will also be using the turbine to supplement the extensive solar arrays that are already installed at the MINI factory in Oxford. However, despite the solar panels' significant electricity generation, their output dips during the winter and evening hours. The new wind energy system by Aeromine is poised to fill this gap, ensuring continuous renewable energy production.

The pilot project, managed by BMW Group's Real Estate team and facilitated by BMW Startup Garage, aims to assess the viability of integrating this technology with existing energy systems across BMW's properties and other commercial buildings in the UK.

Carmen Gargioni, Team Lead Innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management, commented, "At BMW Group, innovation and efficiency drive our operations. The BMW Startup Garage connects promising startups with our business units, aiming to harness fresh technologies that meet our stringent efficiency and sustainability criteria."

Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, added, "This initiative is a modest yet significant addition to our strategy of sourcing renewable electricity. We are eager to see how it enhances our capability to generate clean energy."

Claus Lønborg, Managing Director at Aeromine Technologies Inc., concluded, "Our collaboration with BMW Group is crucial in our quest to redefine the scope of renewable energy solutions. The unique attributes of our motionless wind technology, particularly its compatibility with solar systems and its minimal environmental impact, open new possibilities for sustainable energy generation."