Wind turbines have had a tough time convincing policy makers of their benefits, with many dismissing them as loud, ugly and requiring a lot of space.

But what if turbines looked like trees and could generate power from the slightest of breezes? 

A French company says it can do just that, with 'wind trees' capable of producing around 2,4000 kWh every year - enough to power the average home for six months, or a small office for a year. 

The wind trees have plastic 'leaves' with small curves that hold dozens of tiny blades. The blades harness the wind whichever direction it is blowing in. And unlike large turbines, they can capture energy from winds as gentle as 8km/h, Quartz reported.

New Wind says it has contracts to supply wind trees to companies across Europe, and it has plans to expand beyond the continent over the coming year. 

But before wind trees become commonplace, the company will need to work on bringing their cost down. A single wind tree costs around €50,000 in total - far more expensive than installing solar panels.  

The company says it will soon unveil more customisable products that will allow people to buy a few leaves rather than an entire tree. "We will bet on modularity," a company spokeswoman said.