Saudi solar park gives sand gazelles a protected breeding habitat

A solar power facility serving Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA destination is providing protected space for a sand gazelle breeding programme, bringing wildlife conservation into an operating energy site.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is working with AMAALA Sustainable Company for Energy on the initiative, called ReWildingVoltaics. The 250-megawatt facility covers 505 hectares, according to a Saudi Press Agency report published on 5 October 2026.

The programme entered its breeding phase in May 2026, when 33 female and five male sand gazelles were introduced to the site. Its aim is to develop a population that can support future reintroduction into the wider reserve.

SPA reports that shade from the solar panels lowers ground temperatures by approximately 5–10°C. A protected perimeter and monitoring by specialist rangers provide a controlled setting for tracking the animals’ health, behaviour and reproduction.

The initiative uses renewable-energy infrastructure as a setting for conservation work while the solar facility continues serving the tourism destination.

Source: Saudi Press Agency, 5 October 2026.