Abstract: | Thailand has adopted the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model to promote sustainable economic growth. The primary goal of this model is to protect the environment and mitigate climate change. The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department (DRRAA), with its core mission of weather modification, has recognized the importance of ensuring the safety of rainwater and the environment. To achieve carbon neutrality and align with the BCG model, the department has been implementing various initiatives.
DRRAA has been exploring three primary avenues for cloud seeding to further enhance the environmental sustainability of its operations,
1. Water Quality Assurance: Since 2018, DRRAA has been conducting rigorous water quality tests on rainwater collected from cloud seeding operations. By analyzing 1,160 samples against the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) standards for agricultural water quality, key parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) have been well within acceptable limits. On purpose DRRAA laboratory has applied for ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation Certificate.
2. Developing Environmentally Friendly Substances: The DRRAA is actively researching the Study of Nature Substance for Cold Cloud Seeding project (DRRAA, 2021-2024), aims to develop Natural Ice Nuclei (NIN) as a replacement for Silver Iodide (AgI). Additionally, there is a focus on reducing the use of substances with high carbon emissions. For example, the use of dry ice as a substitute for urea has been explored, as dry ice releases approximately 3 times less CO2 eq compared to urea (TGO, 2021).
3. Innovating Cloud Seeding Techniques: The DRRAA has introduced ground-based generator technology (GBG) in rain shadow areas of northern Thailand is being implemented under the "Research and Development Project on Applying Ground Based Generator Technology for Increase Efficiency of Royal Rainmaking Operation in Rain Shadow Area of Northern Thailand" (DRRAA, 2020-2023). This technology reduces the need for aircraft-based operations, thereby lowering carbon emissions from aviation fuel. In future the department plans to expand the use of GBG in all parts of Thailand.
The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation is committed to operating with consideration for environmental impact and is striving to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly techniques and substances for rainmaking, including setting a carbon neutrality target for the future. |
---|