Leading automotive company BMW Group earlier this month announced the installation of the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system, implemented at automobile brand MINI’s manufacturing plant in Oxford.

Using renewable-energy technology company Aeromine Technologies’ low-impact technology, the system harnesses wind power to produce clean energy without visible moving parts.

BMW Group’s Oxford Plant will serve as a testbed for this “cutting-edge” technology, assessing its potential to enhance energy efficiency across BMW Group sites around the world, as well as at other commercial buildings in the UK.

This “innovative” energy project is part of the BMW Startup Garage, a business unit dedicated to supporting early-stage startups working on new technologies. It focuses on testing a functional product, at least in the form of a prototype, during a pilot project and commissioning the startup as a supplier at an early stage.

Rather than acting as an investor through venture capital, the BMW Startup Garage is taking on the role of a customer, a “venture client”.

Aeromine Technologies has designed the wind energy unit, which is installed on the edge of a building, orientated towards the prevailing wind. The unit features wing-like vertical air-foils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to generate clean electricity.

Unlike traditional wind turbines, Aeromine’s bladeless design reduces noise and vibrations, ensuring no disturbance to buildings or the surrounding environment and with low impact on avian wildlife.

Additionally, the unit is constructed from highly durable, recyclable materials, helping support BMW Group’s commitment to sustainability.

“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,” says BMW Group innovation team lead Carmen Gargioni.

The new wind energy unit is designed to complement MINI Plant Oxford’s existing solar arrays. The installation on the body shop has been in place for ten 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.

The solar panels generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 850 households for a year. However, the solar panels 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.

“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,” says BMW Group Real Estate Europe sustainability steering project manager Urs Sambale.

“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,” adds Aeromine Technologies MD Claus Lønborg.

The BMW Group has set itself clear targets for CO2 reduction up to 2030 throughout the entire life cycle – from the supply chain, through production, to the end of the use phase – and is constantly seeking new ways to cut emissions, including by exploring new innovations.