This is the design for an almost completely self sufficient island, powered by wind turbines and photovoltaics and would be manned by 25 workers living off vegetables from a farm and recycled water. It forms part of a tropical archipelago of green energy islands masterminded by the architects behind Conservative leader David Cameron's green home.

The "islands", designed by father and son team Dominic and Alex Michaelis, would consist of photovoltaic platforms with wind turbines fixed on top of them.

Continuing with the self sustaining theme, surface water inlets surrounding each island would be used for desalination and below surface, marine turbines would harness wave energy.

The designers believe the island cluster could produce an impressive 2000MW of power, with an estimated 50,000 needed to meet world energy levels.

The project could possibly be funded by the$25m offered to the winner of the Virgin Earth Prize, a competition for innovative sustainable technology, if it wins the lucrative award.

Alex Michaelis notoriously converted the house of David Cameron into a model green home, complete with solar panels, water recycling system and a miniature wind turbine.

The turbine has been the source of controversy after local residents complained it was an eyesore. It eventually had to be taken down, though Cameron said faulty installation was to blame for the device's removal.

Source: Building.co.uk