Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space

Dear Colleagues,

The depletion of energy resources necessitates the development of methods for underground energy storage (UES). The possibility of locating fossil fuels, as well as other gaseous or liquid energy carriers has long been considered both in newly built underground storage facilities and in natural reservoirs. The methods are also known for developing post-mining underground facilities for energy storage, such as abandoned mines, salt caverns, aquifers or depleted gas and oil reservoirs. To a large extent, the possibilities of locating gases and fluids in geological formations are being studied. In addition, the possibility of using underground facilities to generate and/or store energy from renewable sources is also being considered. It should be assumed that energy storage using underground mine space will be implemented in new projects in the future. The rationale for selecting a site for small-scale and large-scale energy storage using underground mine space would provide new opportunities for energy storage.

This topic has been proposed to international journals to further disseminate the results of basic research, laboratory investigations and field testing or implementation in the following areas:

• Fundamental Research on Underground Hydrocarbon Storage;
• Study of Fluids in Porous Media;
• Mechanical stability and seepage stability of the energy storage chamber;
• Feasibility of Hydrogen Storage in Geological Formations;
• Development of Techniques for Capturing Methane in Abandoned Mines;
• Research on Renewable Energy Generation from Flooded Underground Mines;
• Long-term Stability of Underground Excavations in Abandoned Mines for Energy Storage;
• Underground Gasification of Deep Coal Seams, From the Surface or Mine Workings;
• Ventilation of Underground Mine Space Intended for Energy Storage;
• Economic Performance Analysis of Underground Energy Storage;
• Emerging Technologies, Including the Development of Pumped-Storage Power Plants, Pumped Hydro Storage, Gravitational Energy Storage  and Thermal Energy Storage in Abandoned Mines;
• Related Technologies, including UES.

Dr. Dariusz Obracaj
Prof. Dr. Vasyl Lozynskyi
Prof. Dr. Ke Gao
Topic Editors