Sand Prevention and Control and Ecological Restoration Systems for Large Renewable Energy Bases in Desert Areas and Their Strategic Value

Large-scale renewable energy development in China’s desert areas faces windblown sand hazards and ecological constraints. This narrative review examines the ecological effects of wind and photovoltaic (PV) projects and the role of sand control in protecting infrastructure. Wind farms primarily alter airflow and turbulent mixing, whereas PV arrays redistribute radiation and rainfall and occupy more continuous ground surfaces. Soil moisture and vegetation responses to PV development vary with climate, soil properties, panel position and management. Increased vegetation cover alone does not establish ecosystem recovery or sustainable water use. We develop a management framework linking site conditions and dominant risks to sand control measures, water constraints and monitoring indicators. Comparisons of Kubuqi, Tengger, Gonghe and Ulan Buh summarize reported practices and identify evidence gaps and constraints on their transfer. Mechanical barriers and native vegetation can be combined where local water budgets permit, while intact desert surfaces should be protected from unnecessary disturbance. The overlap between renewable energy bases and the Northern Sand Control Belt makes coordinated planning relevant to both energy and ecological security. Long-term comparisons with pre-construction conditions and undeveloped reference sites are needed to evaluate these benefits.