Subsurface Intelligence: Numerical and Data-Driven Methods for Geoenergy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The global addition of sustainable and resilient energy systems has placed subsurface technologies at the forefront of innovation. From geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS) to hydrogen storage and unconventional reservoirs, the complexity and scale of subsurface operations demand intelligent, reliable, and adaptive solutions.

This Special Issue invites cutting-edge research that advances the understanding, modeling, and assurance of subsurface systems through the convergence of numerical simulation, data-driven methods, and field applications. As geoenergy technologies evolve, robust computational frameworks and intelligent monitoring and verification systems are essential for reliable design, performance optimization, and risk-informed decision-making.

We welcome contributions that integrate physics-based modeling, machine learning, field data, and uncertainty quantification to improve subsurface characterization, operational efficiency, and long-term assurance. Topics span both conventional geoenergy systems and unconventional resources. Original research articles, reviews, and case studies are encouraged, particularly those that showcase innovative techniques, intelligent field applications, and assurance strategies that support the present and future of subsurface energy systems.

Scope and Themes

This Special Issue welcomes interdisciplinary applications in geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen storage, and unconventional resources, particularly contributions in the following areas:

• Numerical modeling of subsurface flow, transport, and geomechanics;
• Machine learning and AI for subsurface prediction, control, and optimization;
• Hybrid modeling frameworks combining physics-based and data-driven methods;
• Sensor integration and monitoring for real-time field intelligence and subsurface assurance;
• Smart subsurface systems for geoenergy operations;
• Uncertainty quantification and probabilistic risk-informed decision frameworks;
• Data assimilation and inversion techniques for subsurface characterization;
• Fracture modeling and stimulation analysis in geothermal and unconventional reservoirs;
• Predictive analytics for well performance, reservoir behavior, and field development;
• Reliability engineering and assurance strategies for long-term subsurface safety;
• Applications in geothermal energy, CCS, hydrogen storage, and unconventional resources;
• Case studies demonstrating field deployment of intelligent subsurface technologies.

Suggested Topics

• Hybrid modeling frameworks combining physics-based and data-driven methods;
• Fracture modeling and stimulation analysis in unconventional formations;
• Intelligent monitoring systems for subsurface integrity;
• Predictive analytics for reservoir performance and field development;
• Reliability engineering and assurance in subsurface energy systems;
• Case studies demonstrating field deployment of intelligent subsurface technologies.

Dr. Alireza Rangriz Shokri
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• geothermal energy systems
• carbon capture and storage (CCS)
• hydrogen storage
• unconventional hydrocarbon systems
• artificial Intelligence in geoenergy applications
• data-driven subsurface characterization
• intelligent geoenergy monitoring
• subsurface geomechanics
• risk-informed subsurface assurance