A 250 MW solar park in Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has been turned into a breeding site for threatened Sand gazelles, combining renewable energy infrastructure with wildlife conservation.
A total of 38 Sand gazelles, including 33 females and five males, have been introduced into the 505-hectare solar facility under the reserve’s breeding programme. The first offspring are expected in December. Population modelling by the reserve’s Scientific Services Division estimates that the herd could grow to around 600 animals by 2031. Officials said at least 500 gazelles are needed before the population can be considered for reintroduction into the wider 24,500-square-kilometre reserve.
The solar park is operated by Amaala Sustainable Company for Energy, a joint venture involving EDF Group and Masdar, alongside SUEZ and Korea East-West Power. The facility supplies renewable electricity to Red Sea Global’s AMAALA destination.
The initiative, known as “ReWildingVoltaics,” uses the protected environment created by solar infrastructure to support wildlife breeding before animals are released into natural habitats. A seven-month trial began in October 2025 with Sand gazelles, Mountain gazelles and Arabian hares, followed by the breeding phase in May.
The predator-proof perimeter provides a controlled environment, while solar panels offer shade and can reduce ground temperatures by around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Around 73% of the site is available as habitat.
The project has increased wildlife husbandry capacity 15-fold and enables continuous monitoring of animal health, behaviour and reproduction. The reserve said the model could support similar conservation efforts alongside future renewable energy projects.
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