State forests used for cloud seeding generators
From the Spring 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Solar powered cloud seeding generators have been placed in State forests near Tumbarumba in efforts to produce additional snowfall.
Snowy Hydro Limited has extended its cloud seeding program to include generator sites in State forests near Tumbarumba.
This is the first time State forests have been selected for cloud seeding generator sites, which will release very small quantities of a seeding agent into the atmosphere in order to improve cloud efficiency and produce additional snowfall.
The aim is to increase natural snowfalls in the winter, and once the snow melts in spring, additional water will be available for the generation of renewable electricity, as well as providing additional water release for river systems.
This has been made possible by the NSW Government’s recent decision to extend Snowy Hydro’s cloud seeding research project to 2014, and expand the current target area to the north, doubling the size of the project area to approximately 2150 square kms.
The project, which began in 2004, is showing great potential to benefit not only electricity consumers, but irrigators, skiers, town water supplies and the environment, with more snow cover in the mountains helping to address the adverse effects of climate change on the alpine region of NSW.
Managing Director Snowy Hydro Limited, Terry Charlton, said Snowy Hydro Limited appreciated the cooperative approach by Forests NSW staff, who had quickly identified possible sites for the cloud seeding generators.
“The cloud seeding generators are solar powered and use a sophisticated communications system across the region,” he said.
Cloud seeding technology has been successfully used in the USA for the past 50 years and in Tasmania for the past 40 years, with water utilities continuing to use cloud seeding technology to augment water supply systems.
Sarah Chester - Public Affairs & Media, Albury
