About this Research Topic
UHS involves the injection of hydrogen into geologic formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, salt caverns, and aquifers, providing a means to store large quantities of hydrogen over extended periods. This approach not only capitalizes on existing infrastructure but also addresses the challenges posed by hydrogen's low energy density. As research and innovation in this domain progress, understanding the geophysical, geochemical, and engineering aspects of UHS becomes paramount. This Research Topic delves into the latest advancements, challenges, and potential breakthroughs in underground hydrogen storage, fostering a deeper comprehension of its role in the transition towards a sustainable energy landscape.
This Research Topic aims to address the latest progress, achievements, breakthroughs, challenges, and future directions of developing efficient and reliable methods for UHS. Specially, studies on storage integrity and assurance, storage performance, abiotic/biotic hydrogen conversion, techno-economic assessment and legislation are encouraged. Laboratory experiments, mathematical modelling, numerical simulation and field study on geological suitability, hydrogen injection and extraction strategies, monitoring and safety measures, as well as system integration with renewable energy sources and end-use applications are also welcomed.
This Research Topic seeks to explore various dimensions of UHS with a focus on advancing knowledge and solutions in the field. We invite contributions that encompass, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• Geological suitability assessment for UHS sites.
• Geochemical reactions and microbial activities in UHS sites.
• Geomechanical and thermal effects on UHS efficiency.
• Hydrogen injection, storage, and extraction techniques.
• Modeling and simulation of reservoir behavior and performance.
• Safety protocols and risk assessment in UHS operations.
• Integration of UHS systems with renewable energy sources.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, methodologies, and case studies that shed light on the challenges, innovations, and applications in UHS. Manuscripts should provide insights into the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of UHS, fostering interdisciplinary discussions aimed at advancing the state of the art in this critical domain.
Keywords: Subsurface energy storage, storage integrity, storage performance, techno-economic assessment, renewable energy integration, experimental method, mathematical modelling, numerical simulation, field study
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.