Synergistic Development of Geothermal Energy and Underground Energy Storage

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