Renewables
Saudi solar park used to breed threatened gazelles
A utility-scale solar facility in Saudi Arabia has successfully integrated a wildlife conservation project to protect Sand gazelles.
Key points
- Thirty-eight Sand gazelles were introduced to a 250 MW solar installation.
- Lower ground temperatures beneath panels improve animal welfare and reproduction.
- The project forms part of the broader ReWild Arabia conservation initiative.
What happened
pv magazine reported that the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia has integrated a breeding herd of 38 Sand gazelles into an operational solar energy facility. The deployment follows a seven-month trial examining whether renewable energy sites can function as viable habitats for endangered species.
The installation spans 505 hectares, with a designated 157-hectare section containing a 66 MW solar array hosting the animals. According to the research team, perimeter fencing and the scale of the plant provide a secure environment with minimal disruption.
Why it matters
Researchers observed that temperatures near the ground under the photovoltaic panels were between five and ten degrees Celsius lower than exposed ground. This shading enhances conditions for animal health and breeding success.
Project participants noted that utilizing existing renewable energy infrastructure reduces the necessity for dedicated breeding enclosures. This approach optimizes land use by combining power generation with biodiversity protection.
What comes next
Initial offspring are anticipated during the upcoming winter season. Projections indicate that the reserve's gazelle population could expand from 109 to 600 individuals by 2031 across the designated solar sectors.
The effort supports the wider ReWild Arabia rewilding strategy, which relies on established animal populations to populate protected zones following appropriate acclimatization and behavioral development.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
0.1% of electricity in Saudi Arabia was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
