A solar tree with giant square leaves that convert sunlight into electricity was unveiled in the central French town of Nevers on Monday, allowing passers-by to charge their phones, surf the internet – or just enjoy the shade.
The town of 37,000 on the Loire river is the first in Europe to experiment with the technology developed by Sol-logic.
Inspired by the acacia tree found in the desert and African savanna, the futuristic-looking “eTree” also supplies water and street lighting.
The first prototype was unveiled in 2014. A year later the first operational model was presented at the COP 21 climate conference in Paris.
Since then solar trees have been “planted” in around 10 cities outside Europe.
* AFP
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