The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation—not just in how energy is sourced, but in how large-scale infrastructure is designed, delivered, and commissioned. The rise of modular, mid-scale energy infrastructure, particularly across LNG and gas-to-power projects, is ushering in a new era of technical sophistication and delivery speed. At the center of this evolution is a unique innovation: the Power Island system.
At Nettlefold Projects, we see this transformation as an opportunity. With decades of experience across power generation, process systems, and energy integration, we are uniquely positioned to support the delivery of modular power systems that are agile, cost-efficient, and performance-driven—without compromising on reliability or safety.
What is a Modular Power Island?
A Power Island is the engineered heartbeat of a modular energy facility. It’s where gas turbine generators, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), GIS switchgear, power transformers, and EMS (Energy Management Systems) converge into one integrated, prefabricated unit.
In traditional plant construction, these systems are designed and installed sequentially. But in the modular model, the Power Island is designed to be pre-configured, vendor-aligned, and factory-tested, enabling rapid installation and commissioning onsite.
This approach significantly reduces capital costs and construction time—but it also demands an entirely new mindset in engineering delivery.
The Real Work Happens Between the Interfaces
As any engineering leader will tell you, delivering a Power Island isn’t just about sourcing equipment—it’s about ensuring everything talks to each other, on time and on spec. This includes:
- Aligning OEM-supplied gas and steam turbines with project performance requirements
- Validating interface points between HRSGs, switchgear, transformers, and control systems
- Overseeing vendor design reviews, from factory drawings to commissioning documents
- Coordinating with EPC teams to ensure the Power Island integrates seamlessly with broader plant systems
At Nettlefold Projects, we bring cross-functional engineering leadership to every phase of this journey—from design verification and procurement oversight through to installation audits, testing protocol reviews, and system commissioning.
Owner-Furnished Equipment (OFE): More Than Just Supply
Power Island delivery is typically built around the Owner-Furnished Equipment (OFE) model, where the project owner procures and supplies major equipment directly, while EPCs handle site execution and detailed design.
This model offers greater control over technical outcomes—but it also introduces complexity in coordination, documentation, and accountability.
Our experience delivering OFE-based systems means we understand the nuances:
- How to manage design development across multiple OEMs
- How to track and validate the flow of information from vendor to EPC to site
- How to conduct rigorous electrical, mechanical, and control system reviews to ensure nothing is lost in translation
Commissioning: Where Engineering Becomes Reality
All the design and planning in the world means little if systems aren’t properly tested and turned over. Our commissioning teams are trained to:
- Audit equipment installation against OEM manuals and QA/QC standards
- Oversee electrical pre-commissioning, insulation resistance testing, transformer energization, and switchgear validation
- Implement and validate EMS and SCADA telemetry to ensure operational readiness
- Work directly with EPC, OEM, and client teams to resolve punch items and expedite system readiness
Why Nettlefold Projects?
What sets us apart is our ability to bridge the gap between engineering and execution.
We don’t just write specs or check drawings—we embed ourselves in the lifecycle of a system. From vendor meetings to factory acceptance tests, from change control processes to final commissioning, we act as the glue that holds delivery together.
Our clients trust us to manage what matters:
Schedule certainty
Interface coordination
Compliance and performance
Commercial awareness and risk management
We operate where technical complexity and operational pressure meet—and we deliver, consistently.
Looking Ahead
As the global energy industry continues to embrace modular, performance-led infrastructure, the need for experienced, cross-disciplinary engineering delivery partners has never been greater.
At Nettlefold Projects, we’re ready to help engineer that future—one system, one interface, and one milestone at a time.
