The Importance of Remote Renewable Systems Monitoring Demonstrated
In June 2026, parts of Lochaber experienced intense rainfall that demonstrated the importance of renewable systems monitoring. At one hydro scheme managed by Proterra Energy, severe flooding caused significant damage to the intake and river infrastructure, but continuous monitoring enabled a rapid response.
The water levels rose and overtopped the wing walls and washed out around the transfer pipe, destroyed the handrails on the dam, damaged the river level sensors and dam infrastructure.
Unchecked this would / could have continued over the coming days. Fortunately, the scheme was protected by Proterra Energy’s renewable systems monitoring platform – which continuously monitors key operational parameters – and we were alerted late in the evening to an anomaly in water levels at the intake. We advised the Client who investigated early the next morning, finding the damage.
We attended the site and were able to clear the minor obstructions, inspect the intake screen and check the integrity of the penstock system to ensure that was not compromised with gravel. Having confirmed that, we were able to rewire the sensors and get the hydro scheme safely operational to maintain revenue for the Client whilst a longer term solution was found.
With support from the Client’s insurers, who acknowledged that the Client had appropriate maintenance contract and regular inspections in place, were happy to support a quick turnaround for repair works, which we are now engaged in delivering.
This unfortunate event highlighted the importance of two key things in operating a renewable energy system:
- How remote renewable systems monitoring provides Clients with important information, quickly. This allowed us to identify a problem and then get it resolved quickly so that downtime and lost revenue was minimised.
- That by having the appropriate maintenance and support contracts in place, it gave their insurers the security and freedom to make a quick and complete decision to support the Client with the costs of remedial works.
Whether you operate a hydro scheme, off-grid energy system or other renewable energy asset, Proterra Energy provides renewable systems monitoring, maintenance and asset management services to keep your systems operating safely and efficiently.
Email us to book your system maintenance or contact us for more details about remote monitoring. Also follow us on LinkedIn for news updates and tips for keeping your system in good health all year!