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BMW Group Tests Innovative Motionless Wind Energy In UK First
The UK’s first "motionless" wind energy system has been installed on the roof of BMW Group’s Oxford Plant. This initiative is part of a project by BMW Group to trial innovative technology for efficient energy solutions. The installation utilises Aeromine Technologies’ low-impact technology, which harnesses wind power without visible moving parts.
Aeromine Technologies designed the wind energy unit, which is placed on the edge of a building and oriented towards the prevailing wind. The unit features wing-like vertical airfoils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to generate clean electricity. Unlike traditional wind turbines, Aeromine’s bladeless design minimises noise and vibrations, ensuring no disturbance to buildings or the surrounding environment and with minimal impact on avian wildlife.
This new energy project is part of the BMW Startup Garage, a business unit dedicated to supporting early-stage startups working on cutting-edge technologies. Rather than acting as an investor through venture capital, the BMW Startup Garage takes on the role of a customer, or "venture client." It focuses on testing functional products during pilot projects and commissioning startups as suppliers at an early stage.
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. The BMW Startup Garage acts as a matchmaker between startups and different business units. New technologies are essential as we strive to find the most efficient solution to our requirements. This includes exciting innovations from new players."
The new wind energy unit complements MINI Plant Oxford’s existing solar arrays across the site. Installed ten years ago on the Body Shop, these solar panels were one of the largest roof-mounted solar farms in the UK at that time, with more than 11,000 panels covering an area equivalent to five football pitches. The solar panels generate enough electricity to power 850 households for a year but are less effective during winter and evening hours when wind conditions are often strongest – presenting an opportunity for Aeromine’s wind energy unit to step in and continue generating renewable energy.
Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, stated: "This pilot is a small but exciting project for BMW Group and complements our existing approach to purchasing renewable electricity from the national grid. We’re looking forward to seeing its potential for generating clean wind energy at BMW Group sites."
Partnership with Aeromine Technologies
Claus Lønborg, Managing Director of Aeromine Technologies Inc., remarked: "Aeromine’s partnership with BMW Group represents a pivotal step in our mission to innovate and expand the capabilities of renewable energy solutions. 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."
The BMW Group has set clear targets for CO2 reduction up to 2030 throughout its entire lifecycle - from supply chain through production to end-of-use phase - constantly seeking new ways to cut emissions by exploring new innovations.
About BMW Startup Garage
The BMW Startup Garage engages annually with over 1,000 startups across approximately 30 countries. It seeks innovations that provide significant benefits to BMW Group's products, services, systems, and processes. This ensures early access to innovations, allowing BMW to shape them before they reach market readiness. Simultaneously, startups gain valuable insights into automotive processes, build networks within the company, and receive support in developing their business plans.
About Aeromine Technologies
Aeromine Technologies has developed a scalable renewable energy solution that harnesses wind power efficiently. Their units install on building edges without motion or noise. Typical installations are 50 kW or larger and require less rooftop space than other options. Ideal for large flat rooftops like warehouses or office buildings, Aeromine leverages existing financial structures and incentives established by the solar industry.
The success of this pilot project could lead to broader applications across various commercial buildings in the UK and globally at other BMW Group sites.
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