UK researchers have helped develop a new technology that integrates wind and solar power generation, which they claim could “change the future of renewables”.

The hybrid turbines (pictured) includes turbine blades in an outer frame and is topped with solar cells – especially designed to be mounted on buildings and in built-up areas.

Developed by McCamley Middle East Ltd with research input from the University of Bath’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the “noise-free” turbine is expected to operate safely in bad weather conditions and doesn’t need to be shut down compared to traditional ones which lose the ability to generate power at very high wind speeds. When wind speeds are as low as 1.8m/s, it is believed to self start and therefore needs no power from the grid.

Dr Hadi Abulrub, CEO of McCamley Middle East Ltd and a University of Bath alumnus said: “Our resulting turbine addresses many of the concerns that the energy sector and the general public have with other renewable technologies and we believe that as a company we’re set to revolutionise the sector.”