Snowy Hydro is pausing its cloud seeding program which pumps more snow over the Snowy Mountains during winter and more electricity through its system.
The program began in 2004 and involves shooting a seeding agent – silver iodide – into the atmosphere to freeze water particles which turns them into ice crystals.
When the ice melts, it flows downstream to power the Snowy Hydro’s production of hydro-electricity.
The cloud seeding operations are permitted under the Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act.
According to Snowy Hydro, the program increased “the amount of water available when the snow melts in spring to produce clean, renewable energy”.
“Our cloud seeding program is backed by extensive scientific research, independent review and stringent environmental regulation,” it said in a statement.
According to Snowy Hydro, the program, which runs from May to October, has been found to increase snowfall by 14 per cent.
However, it’s said “This winter, Snowy Hydro is pausing cloud seeding operations as we undertake a program review.
“Our cloud seeding infrastructure is approaching end of life and requires upgrading or replacement. Meanwhile, the cost of resourcing the program and meeting regulatory obligations is increasing.”
Snowy Hydro said it will undertake a review of the program to determine if it was economically viable.
“We will provide another update prior to winter 2025,” it said.
