Cloud Seeding Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Increasing Scarcity Of Water Resources

Industrial
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Market Overview:
Cloud seeding involves the release of substances such as silver iodide and dry ice into clouds to initiate rainfall or snowfall. It is used in areas facing water scarcity issues to artificially increase precipitation. The technology has applications in agriculture, drought management, aviation safety, and hail and lightning suppression. Some key use cases include generating additional fresh water resources and supporting rain-dependent farming.

The cloud seeding market is estimated to be valued at US$ 134 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market Dynamics:
The increasing scarcity of water resources across the globe due to factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth is expected to drive the growth of the cloud seeding market during the forecast period. According to UN estimates, over 1.2 billion people currently live in areas facing water scarcity conditions, and this number is projected to rise to over 3 billion by 2025. Governments are increasingly leveraging cloud seeding technologies to artificially supplement annual rainfall and stream flows.

In addition, growing investments by governments to enhance water management infrastructure are also augmenting the adoption of cloud seeding activities. For example, China has been implementing extensive cloud seeding operations since the 1950s to boost rainfall and minimize drought impacts. Similarly, the Saudi Arabian government initiated the ‘National Renewable Water Program’ involving large-scale cloud seeding projects to achieve sustainable development.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Cloud seeding is an effective weather modification technique to enhance precipitation. It has been proven to increase rainfall by 15-20% on average. The technique uses silver iodide particles to stimulate clouds to produce more rain and snow. It is a cost-effective solution compared to other water management practices.

Weakness: The success rate of cloud seeding varies depending on weather conditions. There is still uncertainty around the exact precipitation increases achievable. The effects are also temporary and require repeated seeding for sustained impacts. Infrastructure and logistical requirements can be challenging for widespread application.

Opportunity: Growing water scarcity globally due to climate change is driving interest in augmenting water supplies. Regions dependent on mountain snowpack are exploring cloud seeding to boost snow levels. Many countries and states now have ongoing cloud seeding programs to boost hydropower and agricultural outputs. The market is expected to see steady growth as precipitation enhancement proves valuable.

Threats: Limited natural resources and changing climate patterns may reduce the viability of cloud seeding efforts in some locations over the long-run. Public skepticism around the technique's effectiveness and unintended consequences is also a challenge. Strict regulations and licensing requirements in some jurisdictions could hamper market expansion. High costs of operation and maintenance threaten program viability.

Key Takeaways

The Global Cloud Seeding Market Size is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period, due to increasing water scarcity concerns worldwide amid climate change.

Regional analysis: North America dominates the global cloud seeding market with the largest share, owing to widespread operational cloud seeding programs across western U.S states. China is an emerging lucrative market in Asia Pacific due to large-scale programs aimed at augmenting water supplies and increasing winter precipitation for hydropower usage.

Key players operating in the cloud seeding market are Weather Modification International, North American Weather Consultants, Seeding Operations and Atmospheric Research (SOAR), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Aquiess, Ice Crystal Engineering, Weather Modification, Inc., Meteo Systems, Atmospheric Systems Corporation, Snowy Hydro Limited, Sinopec Group, Fujian Shaowu Cloud Seeding General Office, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), Beijing Weather Modification Office, Desert Research Institute (DRI).

For More Insights, Read: https://www.trendingwebwire.com/cloud-seeding-market-trends-growth-and-regional-outlook-2023-2030/