On the roof of a factory in Oxford, a white object resembling the centre of the Tardis gazes out on the city. The UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system will serve as a testbed for the technology, assessing how it might be used to support energy efficiency across sites worldwide.

BMW’s MINI manufacturing plant is testing a system that will harnesses wind power to produce clean energy without visible moving parts. The 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 commercial buildings in the UK.

Aeromine Technologies designed the wind energy unit, featuring wing-like vertical aerofoils 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. Additionally, the unit is constructed from highly durable, recyclable materials.

The new wind energy unit is designed to complement MINI’s existing solar arrays across the buildings on site. 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. 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.

Urs Sambale, project manager for sustainability steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, said: “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.”

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