The Caribbean island of Aruba could become the “world’s first sustainable energy economy”, under plans devised in conjunction with Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room (CWR) initiative.

The tiny Dutch protectorate already sources a fifth of its energy needs from wind power, while several solar projects are in development. But the island’s government has today announced a partnership with CWR that will see it implement an economy-wide transition towards clean energy sources.

Together they intend to develop a sustainable growth roadmap consistent with Aruba’s consensus driven policy-making approach of “social dialogue”, which Mike Eman, the island’s prime minister, said would “propel Aruba to the next level in our progress toward achieving sustainability”.

The preliminary plans, to be unveiled today, include development of a smart grid and installation of commercially-viable renewable energy technologies, along with new low emission transport technologies designed to help Aruba wean itself off expensive petrol imports.

Households and commercial properties could also be incentivised under the scheme to improve their energy and water efficiency, while a the government plans to encourage the agricultural sector to make best use of water resources in an attempt to reduce the island’s reliance on imported food.

While low carbon plans are not new to island economies, CWR says successful implementation of such an ambitious strategy would be a world first, adding that it aims to attract top-tier technology companies and philanthropic funding to the project to help catalyse private investment.

Speaking in Rio today, Branson said CWR’s Smart Island Economies strategy could be replicated across other Caribbean and Pacific islands.

“Aruba can set a wonderful example for other island nations to prove that they can get rid of fossil fuels, protect their wonderful natural resources and still grow their economy,” he said.