The field of natural fracture characterization has garnered significant attention due to the unique challenges it presents in geoenergy exploration, extraction and management. As the global energy landscape shifts toward sustainable and renewable energy sources, the focus on geoenergy—encompassing geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and hydrogen storage—has intensified. Naturally fractured reservoirs play a pivotal role in these emerging energy systems, as they influence fluid flow, heat transfer, and storage capacity.

Current research has focused on understanding the geometry, topology, and connectivity of fractures within these reservoirs, which are crucial for accurate reservoir modeling. Despite advancements, there remain significant gaps in our understanding, particularly in integrating various data sources and improving predictive models. Recent studies have made strides in geophysical imaging, numerical modeling and AI applications, yet the need for a comprehensive framework that combines these approaches with field techniques and geochemical analysis persists. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing geoenergy recovery, optimizing storage strategies, and ensuring sustainable reservoir management.

This research topic aims to explore the quantitative characterization of natural fractures in the context of geoenergy applications. The main objectives are:
1. Innovative Fracture Characterization: Investigate advanced methods for characterizing natural fractures, including their geometry, connectivity, and mechanical properties, to better understand their impact on geoenergy systems.
2. Data Integration: Develop strategies to integrate diverse data sources, such as seismic data, well logs, and geochemical analyses, to improve fracture characterization and reservoir modeling.
3. Advanced Modeling and Imaging: Evaluate the latest advancements in numerical modeling and geophysical imaging techniques, such as machine learning and high-resolution imaging, and their applicability to geoenergy reservoirs.
4. Geoenergy-Specific Applications: Explore the role of fractures in geothermal energy extraction, carbon storage, and hydrogen storage, focusing on fluid flow dynamics, heat transfer, and storage capacity.

This theme aligns more closely with the current trends in the field of energy geology. We hope that this special issue will attract more researchers and achieve great success upon publication.

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Natural Fracture Characterization for Geoenergy Management