Efficient Development of Geo-Energy and Carbon Sequestration in Fractal Geo-Systems: New Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

The efficient development of geo-energy and carbon sequestration in fractal geological systems is an emerging and critical topic in energy and environmental research, facing several significant challenges. First, the fractal geological systems, such as tight sandstones, shales, and fractured carbonates, exhibit multi-scale complexity, spanning from nanopores to macroscopic fractures. This heterogeneity poses difficulties for traditional reservoir characterization methods, which often fall short in accurately describing such complex systems. Moreover, classical Darcy’s law is insufficient for modeling fluid flow in fractal structures, highlighting the need for the development of flow models grounded in fractal theory. Second, the inefficiency of geo-energy development in fractal reservoirs, such as unconventional oil and gas or geothermal energy, presents additional hurdles. The design of hydraulic fracturing and production enhancement technologies tailored to fractal reservoirs remains an open challenge. Furthermore, the precision of existing simulation tools is limited when applied to multi-scale fractal systems, necessitating the integration of machine learning techniques and advanced optimization algorithms, such as particle swarm optimization or genetic algorithms. Finally, the complexity of carbon sequestration in fractal geological systems further complicates the prediction of sequestration behavior. For example, the migration, dissolution, and mineralization of CO₂ within fractal pores require accurate quantitative modeling. The expansion of fracture networks could increase the risk of leakage, and we must understand the evolution of CO₂–rock–water interactions in fractal systems. These challenges underscore the interdisciplinary nature of this research domain, which spans fractal mathematics, geophysics, chemical reaction dynamics, and computational science.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research articles that propose innovative approaches and findings related to the efficient development of geo-energy and carbon sequestration in fractal geological systems. Research may focus on any relevant area, including fractal mathematics, geophysics, chemical reaction dynamics, computational science, or experimental studies. This Special Issue aims to foster deeper and broader exploration of fractal theory and its applications in efficient geo-energy development and carbon sequestration. All submitted manuscripts will undergo rigorous peer review, and accepted papers will be published in the open access journal Fractal and Fractional. The topics of this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:

1. Engineering methods and case studies for efficient geo-energy development;
2. Numerical computation methods for efficient geo-energy development;
3. Theoretical and experimental studies on fluid flow in fractal geological bodies;
4. Parameter optimization for efficient geo-energy development using machine learning;
5. Evaluation of carbon sequestration potential and case studies;
6. Theoretical and experimental studies on fluid flow during carbon sequestration;
7. Parameter optimization for carbon sequestration using machine learning.

Dr. Zhongwei Wu
Prof. Dr. Chuanzhi Cui
Prof. Dr. Japan Trivedi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fractal and Fractional is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• geo-energy development
• fractal geometry
• CCUS/CCS
• data analysis technology
• production enhancement technologies
• multi-phase flow discipline
• water–rock reaction in fractal systems