Advances in the Evaluation, Development, Simulation and Safety of Geological Energy Resources and Underground Spaces

The sustainable development of geological energy resources (such as oil, natural gas, and geothermal energy) and underground spaces (such as urban underground utility tunnels and deep mineral storage facilities) poses a key challenge in the global energy transition and urbanization process. With the depletion of traditional energy resources and the advancement of carbon neutrality goals, geological energy development is shifting from shallow to deep layers and from single resources to multi-energy complementarity. The large-scale utilization of underground spaces demands higher standards for safety assessment and efficient development technologies. However, the complexity of the geological environment, heterogeneity of resource occurrence, and multi-field coupling effects lead to issues such as low accuracy in resource assessment, limited development efficiency, distorted simulation models, and prominent safety risks during the development process. For example, thermal reservoir modification in deep geothermal development is prone to induce microearthquakes, and urban underground space development may undermine the stability of geological structures. In recent years, the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and high-performance computing has provided a new paradigm for geological energy and underground space research. Through multi-source data fusion, digital twin modeling, and intelligent optimization algorithms, dynamic perception and collaborative decision-making of resource-environment-engineering systems can be achieved, enhancing development efficiency and reducing safety risks. The main objective of this research topic is to address the challenges and opportunities faced by geological energy resources and underground space exploration. Specifically, this special issue focuses on the quantitative assessment of geothermal energy resources, the comprehensive utilization of underground space (such as hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage), and the optimization of underground gas storage (UGS) systems. It is based on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence modeling and its application in resource assessment and dynamic sealing integrity monitoring of UGS. Combining geological, geophysical, and engineering data, it can construct high-precision resource prediction models through deep learning, machine learning, and other methods to enhance the evaluation resolution. By deploying an IoT sensor network, it integrates edge computing to achieve real-time perception and early warning of geological disasters.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses innovative theoretical, methodological, and technological contributions to the study of geological energy resource and underground space utilization, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and safety. The collection will focus on approaches addressing the interrelated challenges of resource assessment, operational optimization, and risk mitigation, but does not cover generic case studies lacking technological or methodological advancement.To gather further insights in the realm of geological energy and underground space development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Integrated theories and methods for comprehensive evaluation of underground space and resources• High-precision seismic exploration and well logging interpretation for oil, gas, and geothermal reservoirs•Intelligent optimization and adaptive control of subsurface energy systems using real-time data and machine learning• Novel numerical simulation algorithms for coupled multiphase and multiphysics processes• Environmental impact assessment and ecological restoration strategies for geological interventions• Dynamic risk assessment frameworks and early warning technologies for underground resource and space developmentWe invite the submission of original research articles, review papers, and technical notes relevant to these topics. Topic editors: Sahraoui Dhelim, Zhixue Sun, Junfeng Miao Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77620/advances-in-the-evaluation-development-simulation-and-safety-of-geological-energy-resources-and-underground-spaces