As land degradation becomes more severe (see Nature 623, 666; 2023), desert photovoltaics are a triple-win, fostering not only clean-energy generation but also ecosystem recovery and local poverty reduction. Panels provide shade, cutting surface water evaporation by 20–30%. There are opportunities in developing regions such as Africa and India, where economic development is driving up electricity access and consumption from industrial users. There, desert PV installations can make good use of land that is not suitable for residential, agricultura l, or other types of. Blueprints have been drawn up for projects in Tunisia and Morocco that would supply electricity for millions of households in Europe. China's “solar great wall” in the Kubuqi Desert and canal-based projects in California showcase innovative dual-use solar solutions. ” The idea isn't new, but. In fact, covering just 1. This is especially important in some desert areas. Why aren't the world's deserts blanketed with solar panels, transforming barren landscapes into hubs of renewable energy? Below, Just Have a Think takes you through how deserts, seemingly perfect candidates for solar farms with their endless sunlight and open spaces, present a surprising mix of.