Guest Editors

Dr. Zhechao Wang (Corresponding Editor)
Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
Dr. Maartje Boon
University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
Dr. Lin Ma
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Dr. Samintha Perera
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Dr. Xilin Shi
Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, CAS, Wuhan, China
Dr. Liangchao Zou
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Background

Underground storage of oil & gas (USOG) is a critical strategic pillar for global energy security and sustainable development. Its safety, environmental compatibility, and economic efficiency have positioned it at the forefront of energy research worldwide. To capture cutting-edge international developments and foster synergistic collaboration among researchers, engineers, and industry practitioners, this Special Issue (SI) seeks to compile high-impact contributions across theoretical, technological, and engineering domains. Our goal is to establish a premier platform for sharing innovative solutions, empirical insights, and transformative practices that collectively enhance the safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability of underground storage infrastructure.

Topics for this call for papers include but not restricted to:

(1) Fundamentals & Modeling

• Flow and transport in fractured/porous media
• Meso and macro multi-phase flow phenomena
• Multi-field physics and coupled THMCB processes
• Advanced data-driven and mechanism-driven numerical methods

(2) Geotechnical Engineering & Integrity Management

• Static/dynamic stability of lined/unlined rock caverns
• Containment integrity evaluation and leakage risk assessment
• Geomechanical behavior under cyclic loading and long-term operation

(3) Experimental & Field Validation

• Lab and field physical model testing
• Field monitoring and novel sensing technology
• Representative case studies

Instructions for Authors

Manuscripts should be submitted through the journal's submission system. Please ensure to select the special issue “USOG” when choosing the article type.

Important Dates

Submission deadline: 30 September 2026

Publication: 15 June 2027