Financial pressures have temporarily suspended the NSW Snowy Mountains cloud seeding programme, which has been in operation for the past 20 years.
Snowy Hydro has decided to temporarily halt its cloud seeding programme. During winter, the programme increases snowfall in the Snowy Mountains and boosts electricity generation in its system. They started the programme in 2004 and released a seeding agent, silver iodide, into the atmosphere. This agent freezes water particles and transforms them into ice crystals.
The ice naturally flows downstream as it melts, providing a valuable source of power for Snowy Hydro’s hydroelectricity production. The Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act authorises cloud seeding operations.
According to Snowy Hydro, the programme increased “the amount of water available when the snow melts in spring to produce clean, renewable energy.”.
“Our cloud seeding programme is backed by extensive scientific research, independent review, and stringent environmental regulation,” it said in a statement.
Snowy Hydro reported a 14 percent increase in snowfall from their programme, which runs from May to October.
However, it’s said, “This winter, Snowy Hydro is pausing cloud seeding operations as we undertake a programme review.
“Our cloud seeding infrastructure is approaching the end of its life and requires upgrading or replacement. Meanwhile, the cost of resourcing the programme and meeting regulatory obligations is increasing.”
Snowy Hydro announced that it would thoroughly evaluate the programme’s economic feasibility.
“We will provide another update prior to winter 2025,” it said.