In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable manufacturing, BMW Group has installed the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system at its MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. This innovative system, developed by Aeromine Technologies, harnesses wind power without visible moving parts, significantly reducing noise, vibrations, and impact on wildlife, while generating clean energy.
The installation is part of the BMW Startup Garage initiative, where BMW partners with startups to test cutting-edge technologies. Aeromine’s system is designed to work alongside existing solar arrays, optimizing renewable energy output by complementing solar power during less effective periods, such as winter and evening hours.
With its bladeless design and durable, recyclable materials, the system not only supports BMW Group’s sustainability goals but also positions the Oxford plant as a testbed for future energy innovations. BMW plans to assess the potential of this technology for broader application across its global sites and commercial buildings in the UK.
“We’re excited to see how this pilot project will enhance our energy efficiency and contribute to our CO2 reduction targets,” said Carmen Gargioni, Team Lead Innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management.
Aeromine Technologies CEO Claus Lønborg highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with BMW marks a pivotal step in expanding the capabilities of renewable energy solutions, addressing challenges such as noise and wildlife impact while maximizing rooftop energy generation.”
BMW’s Oxford plant, already home to one of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar farms, will now serve as a benchmark for integrating wind and solar energy systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
