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They are hated by many as an eyesore on the countryside.

But conventional wind farms may one day become a thing of the past after scientists trialled turbines which can be flown in the sky like kites.

The turbines, which are being developed by Google, would be tethered 300 metres above ground and would have wings to help them stay air bound.

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The turbines, which are being developed by Google, would be tethered 300 metres above ground

Floating at high altitudes, they would be powered by higher wind speeds and therefore could increase the amount of energy produced.

Peter Fitzgerald, Google's UK sales director, said the turbines could also save on construction costs.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, he said the turbines could spell a solution to the world's energy problems.

He said: 'It can make a big difference when it comes to energy.

'It is tethered, has wings and if you go to high altitude flying around bringing energy.

Peter Fitzgerald, Google's UK sales director, said turbines could spell a solution to the world's energy problems

Makani tests airbourne wind turbines that fly like a kite

Floating at high altitudes, they would be powered by higher wind speeds and therefore could increase the amount of energy produced

'You have to spend a lot of money on steel and concrete to build these massive turbines and you can only do that in about 15 per cent of the world where the wind is fast enough.'

With the tethered turbines, he added, you could use them on 'double the amount of land'.

He admitted: 'It's kind of out there.'

The turbines are being developed as part of the company's Google X department.

It acquired Makani, the company originally trialling the technology, last year.

Engineers say the 'energy kite' has the potential to generate 50 per cent more energy while eliminating 90 per cent of the materials used and for half the cost of conventional wind turbine.

Google X is also working on a number of other pioneering gadgets, including a contact lenses for people with diabetes which can measure the wearer's glucose levels.

Mr Fitzgerald also spoke about Google's Project Loon, in which it aims to deliver broadband to very rural areas.

The concept involves flying balloons equipped with its internet technology at high altitude.

He said the balloons would use 'algorithms to try to figure out how to ride wind currents.'

He added: 'There are so many parts of the world where if you put broadband in it is so expensive and it will take it forever.

'But if you use balloons it is low cost and you can get hundreds of millions of people on the internet.'