Located in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth, MeyGen uses DAS and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) to monitor its subsea cables, which operate in challenging tidal conditions on a rocky seabed. Since early 2024, Indeximate’s analysis of DAS data has identified high-risk areas along turbine connectors, detecting issues such as vibration, abrasion, fatigue, and cable movement. The system also monitors how these risks shift with lunar cycles and seasonal storms, enabling MeyGen to refine its inspection strategy for critical export cable sections.
Fraser Johnson, Operations & Maintenance Manager at MeyGen PLC, stated: “MeyGen generates predictable renewable electricity by harnessing the natural cycle of the tides. Operating in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth, however, means working in one of the world’s most extreme marine environments, where tidal currents can exceed 10 knots. This powerful tidal resource offers immense potential for clean energy generation, but also presents significant operational challenges.”
Johnson further noted: “Our subsea export cables are engineered to endure the harsh conditions, but we remain highly aware of their exposure to turbulent flows and the seabed’s scouring effects. To address this, we’ve deployed Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology along the cable routes supported by Indeximate to provide 24/7/365 monitoring services. This innovative monitoring allows us to assess asset risk with such precision that we are able to self-insure the cables, thanks to our detailed understanding of their condition.”
As the world’s largest tidal-stream array, MeyGen has generated over 75 GWh of electricity with system availability above 95%. Indeximate’s continuous monitoring supports MeyGen’s data-driven maintenance approach, reducing downtime and enhancing operational reliability.
Chris Minto, Director at Indeximate, said: “We are delighted that MeyGen has chosen to renew and extend their subscription. We’ve managed to illustrate in a short time the critical at-risk regions of MeyGen’s cables supporting our mission of preventing cable failure. The long-term subscription demonstrates that our work is providing much needed value in assessing cable health and maintenance efforts.”
In March 2025, the MeyGen site’s AR1500 turbine, operated by Proteus Marine Renewables, exported 372 MWh of electricity, marking its highest monthly output since operations began in 2017, underscoring the array’s increasing efficiency.
