The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is pioneering a global conservation first by breeding threatened gazelles within an operational solar park.

The park is spread over 505-hectares (ha) and powers Red Sea Global’s AMAALA destination with  250 MW of 100 per cent renewable energy.

Following an initial seven-month proof-of-concept exercise launched in October 2025 involving Sand gazelle, Mountain gazelle, and Arabian hare, the programme formally entered its breeding phase in May 2026.

This phase commenced with the introduction of 33 female and 5 male Vulnerable Sand gazelles into the solar plant, with the first offspring anticipated in December 2026.

Population modelling indicates that the herd will expand to approximately 600 individuals by 2031, successfully surpassing the minimum founder population threshold of 500 animals required for successful reintroduction into the wider 24,500 sq km reserve.

The proof-of-concept trials confirmed that the site supports wildlife husbandry, as the solar park’s predator-proof perimeter secures the area while panel shading reduces ground temperatures by 5-10 deg C.

Approximately 73 per cent of the 505 ha site constitutes usable habitat comprising shaded zones beneath panels and open terrain with rocky outcrops, increasing the Reserve’s husbandry capacity 15-fold and allowing specialist ranger teams to maintain continuous monitoring of animal behaviour, health, and reproductive metrics.