Egypt studies utilising rainmaking technology

 Egypt says it is considering introducing rainmaking technology known as cloud seeding in hopes of providing a new source of water in the desert country.

Cloud seeding, invented in 1946, can enhance the ability of clouds to produce precipitation. It involves infusing clouds with chemicals to increase water condensation, thus increasing rainfall.

Egypt signed a protocol with Germany in April where the European country is to train Egyptian staff to use weather modification technology, according to the head of Egypt’s Meteorological Authority Ahmed Abdel-Al.

Earlier this week, a German team conducted an orientation session in Cairo on methods employed to use the technology, which is currently applied in many parts of the world including Germany, China, the UAE and France.

The Egyptian government is set to conduct feasibility studies on the application of the rain-maximising technology, Abdel-Al told Ahram Online on Tuesday

Cairo has sustained fears that a $4.2 billion hydro-electric dam Ethiopia is building would diminish its share of the Nile, which meets virtually all of the country’s water needs.

Provided that it proves a success, the technique will be used in irrigation, producing potable water and a project of reclamation and development of one-and-a-half million acres sponsored by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

A team of several Egyptian ministries and institutions will work on the studies, including the ministries of agriculture, water, environment, as well as the armed forces, Abdel-Al added.

source: Ahram Online