The UAE is collaborating with a team of leading meteorologists to develop a potentially ground-breaking technology in cloud seeding, to address the country’s water scarcity challenges.
The concept revolves around the ‘electrical seeding’ of clouds, a theoretical concept that studies the effect of electrical charges on rain-bearing clouds.
Harrison, who is also a Second Cycle awardee associated with the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, will lead the research.
Secondly, they will attempt to measure and modify the charges present in clouds using balloons and aircrafts.
An innovative aspect is the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to artificially modify the electrical properties of the clouds.
A promising attribute of the electrical seeding approach is that it leaves no local environmental residues, as the UAVs are electrically powered and hence pollution-free.
Commenting on Professor Harrison’s project, Dr. Abdullah Al Mandous, Director of the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology, said: "The success of the Emirates R&D program is evident at its third session, which has been demonstrated by the significant increase in the number of participating countries and research, A strong indicator of the importance of encouraging innovation and sharing knowledge and expertise through fruitful international partnerships.
Alya Al Mazroui, Manager of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science said, "We are delighted to be working with Professor Harrison and his team on this highly transformative project.
Launched by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs of the UAE and overseen by the UAE National Center of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science offers US$5 million in grant assistance to encourage scientists and researchers to explore new horizons in developing rain enhancement science and technology.
The Program is also a rallying platform that facilitates international cooperation through advancing research and innovation in the field of rain enhancement.