Europe's first 'eTree' unveiled in France
French-Israeli start-up Solar Tree Europ has unveiled its first "eTree" in Nevers, northern France. Based on the acacia tree, which thrives in arid conditions, the device has large leaf-like organic solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, allowing passers-by to charge their phones or surf the web, while also providing shade, water and street lighting. Similar trees have been put up in 10 cities in Israel and the US.
The first "eTree" technology used in Europe developed by Solar Tree Europ, a French-Israeli start up, pictured during an inauguration ceremony in Nevers, northern France on May 29, 2017

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 Israeli company Sol-logic.

Inspired by the acacia tree found in the Israeli desert and African savanna, the futuristic-looking "eTree" also supplies water and street lighting.

The first prototype was unveiled in Israel 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 in Israel and the US.

© 2017 AFP