U.S. wind tech and aerodynamics company Aeromine Technologies have created the first motionless wind turbine to be installed in the UK.

Along with being motionless, this innovative wind energy system is sound-free. This first-of-its kind installation for the UK took place at BMW Group’s Oxford MINI production plant.

To harness wind energy without motion, the unit works by drawing wind in. The system uses a vacuum-style technique via its vertical airfoils along with the natural acceleration of wind.

This energy system is part of a hybrid wind-solar energy system with the latter featuring 11,000 solar panels. When fitted around a decade ago, this solar system was one of the largest roof-based solar arrays nationwide.

To better meet the Oxford plant’s energy needs through renewable and sustainable means, the wind system will offer an additional supply. The wind system will also act as renewable backup when little to no solar energy is obtainable (e.g. in the winter months or at night).

The technology used is at the cutting-edge of renewable energy. Along with being silent, motionless wind turbines should prove less harmful to wildlife.

Another advantage is their capacity to blend more seamlessly as a small rooftop installation.

Opting for more small-scale and roof-mounted motionless wind energy systems can offer an alternative to larger setups. This could help provide a balance to limit backlash to local wind energy setups.

This is with some members of localities (percentages can vary) opposing the setup of solar farms or wind farms.

That said, for the sake of context, 74% of the UK supports the expansion of onshore wind turbines in general. Further, even 68% support wind turbine installations for their local areas per recent YouGov data.