Advanced Study and Application of Geothermal Energy and the Underground Thermal Energy Storage

Dear Colleagues, 

The transition to a low-carbon economy necessitates the rapid deployment of stable, renewable baseload power and efficient energy storage solutions. Geothermal energy offers a continuous supply of clean heat and power, while Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) provides a critical solution to the intermittency of other renewable sources and seasonal energy supply–demand mismatches. This Special Issue will gather cutting-edge research on the exploration, extraction, and efficient utilization of geothermal resources, as well as the advanced application of UTES technologies (such as ATES and BTES). We focus on theoretical breakthroughs, numerical simulations, and experimental studies that address the technical challenges of deep geothermal reservoirs, multi-field coupling mechanisms in rock masses, and integrating geothermal systems with sustainable building infrastructure. This Special Issue will define the role of subsurface thermal technologies in achieving global sustainability goals. 

This Special Issue will present the latest "Advanced Study and Application of Geothermal Energy and Underground Thermal Energy Storage." We invite researchers to submit original research articles and comprehensive reviews that advance the scientific understanding and engineering applications of these systems. This Special Issue supplements the existing literature by bridging the gap between fundamental rock mechanics/fluid dynamics research and practical, large-scale energy applications. 

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advanced Geothermal Systems: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGSs), Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems, and deep geothermal exploration;
• Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES): Novel designs and optimization for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES), and Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES);
• Multi-field Coupling: THMC coupling mechanisms in geothermal reservoirs and storage mediums;
• System Integration: Hybrid renewable energy systems coupling geothermal with solar, wind, or industrial waste heat;
• Sustainability and Assessment: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, and environmental impact assessments of geothermal and UTES projects;
• Building Applications: Integration of geothermal heat pumps in green buildings and district heating/cooling networks.

Prof. Dr. Yuejin Zhou
Dr. Zhengzheng Cao
Dr. Yi Xue
Dr. Teng Teng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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