Saudi Arabian solar plant serves as refuge for endangered sand gazelles

A 250-megawatt solar plant spanning 505 hectares on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia is being utilized as a controlled breeding ground for vulnerable sand gazelles. Linked to the AMAALA tourism complex, the facility provides a protected environment for the species to reproduce before future reintroduction into the wild.

The initiative, known as Project ReWildingVoltaics, is driven by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve in collaboration with an energy company. The solar panels play a functional role in conservation by blocking radiation and creating shade, which reduces ground temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, offering resting areas for the animals.

In May 2026, the project entered its reproductive phase with the introduction of 38 gazelles, including 33 females and 5 males. Following a seven-month trial period that included mountain gazelles and Arabian hares, the first births are expected in December 2026. The long-term goal is to grow the population to approximately 600 individuals by 2031 to support reintroduction into a 24,500 km² protected territory.