Following a comprehensive review, Snowy Hydro is permanently ceasing its cloud seeding program. This decision follows a review that determined the escalating costs of the program outweighed its benefits.
The review, initially announced in June of last year after a program pause in 2024, concluded that the escalating costs and resources required to continue the program would outweigh any benefits.
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.
Rising operational expenses for resourcing and fulfilling regulatory obligations also contributed to the decision.
Snowy Hydro will work with stakeholders to develop a decommissioning plan for equipment removal.
Further Information:
Snowy Hydro has conducted cloud seeding since 2004 to enhance snowfall under suitable conditions. The program was backed by scientific research, independent review, and its operation followed stringent environmental regulation.
For more information on Snowy Hydro’s cloud seeding operations to date, please visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/generation/cloud-seeding/