On September 4, 2024, BMW Group revealed that it has installed the UK’s first motionless wind energy system at its MINI factory in Oxford. The new technology, created by Aeromine Technologies, utilizes wind power to generate clean energy.
Unlike traditional wind turbines, it doesn’t have any visible moving parts. The Oxford plant will test this technology to see how it can improve energy use at BMW locations worldwide and across the UK.
This energy project is part of the BMW Startup Garage, a division that helps early-stage startups with new technologies. The goal is to test working products even if they’re just prototypes, through pilot projects.
BMW works with these startups as a customer, known as a “venture client,” rather than investing money in them as is the case with traditional venture capitalists. This approach helps startups grow by giving them real-world experience and opportunities to become suppliers early on, according to the press release.
Sustainable bladeless wind technology
Aeromine Technologies developed the wind energy unit that sits on the edge of a building, facing the wind. It uses vertical, wing-like structures to create a vacuum, pulling air through an internal propeller to produce clean electricity.
Unlike regular wind turbines, this bladeless design is quieter and results in less vibration. It is therefore gentle on buildings and the environment.
BMW, in collaboration with Aeromine Technologies, is testing bladeless wind generators on rooftops to improve sustainability at its facilities globally. These systems use an aerodynamic design that captures and amplifies airflow from building rooftops. The first "stationary" wind… pic.twitter.com/dZnR8T5Rif
— Science from telegram (@Sciencetg) September 7, 2024
It also has little impact on birds. Made from strong, recyclable materials, the unit aligns with BMW Group’s focus on sustainability, a key part of its long-term strategy.
Carmen Gargioni, who leads innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management, explained that BMW Group is always searching for new and efficient solutions in all parts of its business. She shared that the BMW Startup Garage plays a key role in connecting startups with various business areas, and emphasized the importance of new and exciting technologies.
Wind energy steps in when solar falls short
The new wind energy unit is meant to work alongside the existing solar panels at the MINI Plant in Oxford.
The solar panels have been on the Body Shop building for ten years and, at the time of installation, made up one of the largest rooftop solar farms in the UK, with over 11,000 panels covering an area as large as five football fields.
These panels produce enough electricity to power around 850 homes for a year. However, solar panels are less efficient in the winter and at night, which is when wind conditions are often stronger.
This is where Aeromine’s wind energy unit can help by continuing to generate renewable energy when solar power is limited.
