Saudi solar park supports sand gazelle breeding program

A 250 MW solar park located in Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is playing a crucial role in supporting a sand gazelle breeding program. Introduced in May 2026, thirty-eight sand gazelles are expected to breed and increase the population, with projections indicating a growth to approximately 600 gazelles by 2031. This initiative not only aims to restore the species but also highlights the potential for renewable energy infrastructure to contribute positively to biodiversity conservation.

The breeding program was established following a seven-month proof-of-concept launched in October 2025, which involved various species. Sand gazelles were selected based on their ecological importance and adaptability to the solar park's environment. The herd's growth is essential, as a minimum of 500 animals is required for successful reintroduction into the wider 24,500 km² reserve.

The solar park provides a unique habitat that includes open areas beneath the panels, where ground temperatures are significantly cooler, supporting the gazelles' health and well-being. The initiative, dubbed ReWildingVoltaics, includes a predator-proof fence to protect the gazelles and a dedicated team of rangers to monitor their progress. This innovative approach represents one of the first attempts to integrate biodiversity conservation within operational solar facilities, showcasing how renewable energy can coexist with wildlife restoration efforts.

The Royal Reserve aims to utilize the findings from this program to inform similar projects in other regions, promoting a balance between energy infrastructure and ecological sustainability. Omar AlDaweesh, CEO of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at EDF Group, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can create value beyond just clean electricity. By incorporating biodiversity conservation into the operations of a solar facility, this project serves as a model for future initiatives that seek to harmonize energy production with ecological preservation.