Synergistic Development of Geothermal Energy and Underground Energy Storage

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Geothermal energy, including conventional hydrothermal systems, hot dry rock (HDR), and supercritical geothermal resources (SGRs), has garnered significant international interest due to its potential to provide stable, renewable baseload power. HDR development relies on enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technology, where thermal and hydraulic stimulations create permeable fracture networks in low-permeability formations, enabling efficient heat extraction. Supercritical resources, exceeding water’s critical point (374°C, 22.1 MPa), offer exceptionally high energy density and represent a transformative opportunity for large-scale power generation.

Beyond power generation, the integration of underground energy storage technologies—such as compressed air energy storage (CAES), borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), and underground hydrogen storage (UHS)—with geothermal systems presents a groundbreaking pathway to enhance grid stability, energy flexibility, and renewable utilization. These storage systems can leverage the same subsurface knowledge, infrastructure, and monitoring techniques developed for geothermal applications, creating synergistic opportunities for multipurpose subsurface use.

This Topic aims to highlight recent advances in and foster interdisciplinary discussions on topics including, but not limited to, the following: genetic mechanisms and exploration of HDR and SGR; EGS reservoir creation and management; advanced fracture characterization and monitoring; multi-physical THMC coupling processes; environmental and policy considerations; and innovative heat exchange and extraction technologies. Key emphasis is placed on the integration of geothermal energy with underground storage systems to support a reliable, sustainable, and decarbonized energy future.

By addressing cross-cutting scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges, this Topic seeks to promote global collaboration and accelerate the development of integrated geo-energy systems.

Prof. Dr. Bo Feng
Dr. Yu Shi
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	19.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Energy Storage and Applications esa	-	-	2024	15.0 days *	CHF 1000	Submit

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the first half of 2025.

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers