BMW trials 'motionless' wind energy system

The Oxford plant will serve as a testbed for assessing the system's potential for generating clean wind energy across BMW sites

German car manufacturer BMW has installed what it claims is the UK's first “motionless” wind energy system.

The system sits on the roof of the Mini car plant in Oxford.

It harnesses wind power to produce energy without visible moving parts.

The plant will serve as a testbed, assessing its potential to enhance energy efficiency across BMW sites around the world and commercial buildings in the UK.

The "motionless" wind energy unit is constructed from "highly durable, recyclable materials", BMW said

BMW said the unit was designed to complement the Oxford site's existing solar arrays.

But the company said the panels were "less effective during winter and evening hours, when wind conditions are often strongest".

Aeromine Technologies has designed the wind energy unit, which is installed on the edge of a building oriented towards the prevailing wind.

It features wing-like vertical aerofoils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller.

Aeromine Technologies managing director Claus Lonborg said the “motionless” wind energy technology was "designed to work seamlessly alongside solar systems, maximising the renewable energy output from rooftops while helping address challenges like noise, vibrations, and wildlife impact".

Urs Sambale, project manager for sustainability steering at BMW, said the pilot was "small but exciting" and they were looking forward to seeing its potential "for generating clean wind energy at BMW Group sites”.