The French company New Wind has installed Tree-shaped wind turbines at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. The idea came from the company’s founder, Jérôme Michaud-Larivière, when he was sitting in a Paris square watching the leaves tremble when there was not a breath of air. He hopes the trees can be used to exploit small air currents flowing along buildings and streets, and could eventually be installed in people’s yards and urban centres.

While he admits the efficiency of the trees is low compared to more consistent currents higher up, he believes the £23,500 trees are more viable and less intrusive than conventional wind turbines.

The 26 foot high trees use tiny blades inside the leaves and could potentially be profitable after a year of Wind Speeds averaging 7.8 mph. The tree can generate electricity in wind speeds as low as 4.5 mph.

Via: Alternative Energy News