BMW Group has recently garnered attention with the installation of the UK’s inaugural “motionless” wind energy system at its MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. This pioneering endeavour, developed in conjunction with Aeromine Technologies, signifies a substantial advancement in renewable energy solutions. The aim is to diminish noise, vibrations, and environmental impact while generating clean power. The Oxford plant is set to function as a testing ground for this cutting-edge technology, which holds the potential to enhance energy efficiency across BMW Group sites globally, as well as other commercial buildings in the UK.
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Aeromine Technologies has engineered a wind energy unit to be installed at the edge of a building, strategically oriented towards prevailing winds. The unit features wing-like vertical airfoils that generate a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to produce clean electricity. Unlike conventional wind turbines, Aeromine’s bladeless design significantly reduces noise and vibrations, ensuring minimal disruption to buildings and their surroundings, as well as a negligible impact on avian wildlife. Moreover, the unit is constructed from highly durable, recyclable materials, supporting BMW Group’s dedication to sustainability.
The BMW Startup Garage, a business unit focused on nurturing early-stage startups working on breakthrough technologies, spearheads this project. Acting as a matchmaker, the Garage connects startups with various business units within BMW Group, concentrating on testing a functional product, at least in prototype form, during a pilot project. Rather than functioning as a venture capital investor, the BMW Startup Garage assumes the role of a customer, a “venture client,” commissioning the startup as a supplier from an early stage.
Carmen Gargioni, Team Lead Innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management, underscored the significance of innovation within BMW’s operations. “BMW Group continually seeks innovative and efficient solutions in every facet of our business. The BMW Startup Garage facilitates collaboration between startups and our business units. Embracing new technologies is vital as we endeavour to identify the most efficient solutions to our requirements, including exciting innovations from emerging players.”
The new wind energy unit is designed to complement MINI Plant Oxford’s existing solar arrays, which have been operational for a decade and generate sufficient electricity to power approximately 850 households annually. However, solar efficiency wanes during winter and evening hours, when wind conditions are typically more favourable. This scenario presents an ideal opportunity for Aeromine’s wind energy unit to step in and sustain renewable energy generation.
Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, highlighted the project’s importance within BMW’s renewable energy strategy. “This pilot, though modest in scale, is an exciting project for BMW Group and complements our ongoing efforts to procure renewable electricity from the national grid. We eagerly anticipate its potential to generate clean wind energy at BMW Group sites.”
Claus Lønborg, Managing Director of Aeromine Technologies Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with BMW Group. “Partnering with BMW Group marks a pivotal step in our mission to innovate and enhance renewable energy solutions. Our motionless wind energy technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with solar systems, maximising renewable energy output from rooftops while addressing challenges such as noise, vibrations, and wildlife impact. We are excited to observe how this initial installation can pave the way for broader applications across BMW’s global facilities.”
BMW Group has established clear targets for CO2 reduction up to 2030 across the entire lifecycle, from the supply chain through production to the end-use phase. The company is continually exploring new methods to cut emissions, including innovations like the motionless wind energy system. This project exemplifies BMW’s commitment to sustainability and long-term vision, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of renewable energy solutions.
As BMW Group continues to innovate and explore new energy solutions, the motionless wind energy trial at the MINI Plant Oxford represents a pivotal step towards a sustainable future. The collaboration with Aeromine Technologies not only underscores BMW’s dedication to sustainability but also highlights the potential for innovative technologies to transform the renewable energy landscape.
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