Australia’s Net Zero by 2050 Action Plan isn’t just an environmental policy — it’s a nation-wide infrastructure transformation. To reach it, we must fundamentally rethink how energy is generated, distributed, stored, and consumed.
At Nettlefold Projects, we believe that engineers are not just participants in this transformation — we are the catalysts. Our role is to design and deliver systems that reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and meet rising demands with lower environmental impact.
What Net Zero Requires from Engineering
To achieve true decarbonisation, engineering solutions must evolve from legacy models to digitally intelligent, high-efficiency systems that:
- Minimise energy loss through optimised conductor selection and cable routing
- Manage fault levels and switching behaviour with real-time monitoring and adaptive protection
- Integrate renewables, batteries, and EV infrastructure with robust grid compliance
- Enable predictive maintenance and asset longevity using digital twin environments
- Reduce site emissions with low-impact construction methodologies and recyclable design standards
How Nettlefold Projects Is Supporting This Innovation
Our technical teams are delivering fit-for-purpose, standards-aligned, and constructable designs across HV, MV, and LV systems. We’re embedded on projects that require deep thinking, rapid modelling, and long-term accountability.
Here’s how we’re engineering for Net Zero:
Load Flow + Fault Level Modelling
We use ETAP, PowerFactory, and bespoke models to simulate fault conditions, voltage drops, transformer loading, and arc flash scenarios.
- Outcome: Optimised conductor sizing, reduced cable heat losses, and safer maintenance protocols.
- Benefit: Lower embedded emissions and system losses from design phase onward.
Protection Scheme Optimisation
We design tiered protection systems with grading curves and selectivity strategies that match utility standards (e.g., Endeavour Energy, Powerlink).
- We apply REF615, Micom, SEL, and Siemens SOLKOR relays for differential, feeder, and tie protection.
- Outcome: Reduced nuisance tripping, faster fault clearing, and enhanced reliability.
- Benefit: Fewer interruptions, more energy-efficient recovery profiles.
Intelligent Earthing Systems
Nettlefold Projects delivers earthing grid design with:
- Rolling sphere method
- Touch and step potential modelling
- Soil resistivity mapping and grid optimization
- Verified to AS/NZS 7000, ENA EG1, and site-specific standards.
- Outcome: Safe, resilient sites that protect personnel and equipment.
- Benefit: Lower cost of remediation, improved safety KPIs.
Electrification of Industrial Infrastructure
From fuel switching to full site electrification, we design and support:
- HV substations and transformers
- Low-loss cable reticulation
- EV charger integration for mining and logistics fleets
- Outcome: Reduced reliance on diesel gensets, lower on-site carbon.
- Benefit: Emissions reductions that directly support Net Zero targets.
Digital Twin & Commissioning Intelligence
Our teams develop tag-level models and digital twins for large-scale electrical systems to simulate:
- Pre-energisation behaviour
- Parallel operation with renewables
- Trip sequences, breaker timing, load acceptance
- Outcome: Smoother commissioning, better operator training.
- Benefit: Accelerated project delivery with measurable carbon avoidance.
A Net Zero Nation Needs Practical Engineers
Net Zero isn’t achieved by policy — it’s built by people. Engineers, designers, technicians, and site teams who refuse to cut corners and demand better outcomes from every line of code and every cable pulled.
At Nettlefold Projects, we’re proud to deliver:
- Detailed, documented compliance with AS/NZS 3000, 3017, 3439, and 7000
- Interface studies that reduce waste and rework
- Constructability reviews to lower site emissions
- Vendor integration that ensures long-term energy performance
We back up ambition with rigour. And we don’t stop at 99% — we deliver systems we’d be proud to power our own homes with.
Be Part of the Net Zero Movement
Whether you’re upgrading a substation, building a battery site, or electrifying a refinery — let’s design it with purpose. Let’s lead with discipline. Let’s commit to the engineering that underpins Net Zero.
📩 Want to partner with us on your next project?
Reach out at info@nettlefoldprojects.com.au
