Snowy Hydro has officially decided to permanently cease its cloud seeding operations following a comprehensive review. The decision was influenced by escalating program costs which were found to outweigh the benefits previously associated with enhancing snowfall in the Snowy Mountains.
PHOTO: Snowy Hydro has permanently ceased their cloud seeding operation CREDITS: Snowy Hydro
Initiated in 2004 as a scientific trial, the cloud seeding program aimed to increase precipitation by introducing a seeding agent into suitable clouds, a technique known as ‘glaciogenic cloud seeding’. This method, which was entrenched in scientific research and strict environmental regulations, reportedly increased snowfall by an average of 14 percent during suitable conditions, with no adverse environmental impacts.
The recent review, originally announced in June 2024 after a program pause, highlighted significant challenges related to the ageing equipment. “Increasing costs were primarily driven by Snowy Hydro’s existing cloud seeding equipment reaching the end of its operational life, meaning significant investment would be needed for it to be replaced,” stated a spokesperson for Snowy Hydro. Additional operational expenses and regulatory compliance requirements further contributed to the financial burden.
PHOTO: Growing costs and ageing equipment have led to the recent decision.
Despite the cessation, Snowy Hydro assures that it will collaborate with stakeholders to develop a decommissioning plan for the removal of the cloud seeding equipment. The program, historically conducted between May and October, has played a pivotal role in hydropower generation by increasing water availability from snowmelt.
The company has consistently monitored environmental impacts throughout the program, collecting over 10,000 environmental samples, which confirmed no significant adverse effects.
Stakeholders and interested parties seeking more information on the cloud seeding program can access detailed reports and data on Snowy Hydro’s official website.