Sustainable Use of Thermal Water Resources

Dear Colleagues,

The utilization of thermal water resources dates back to ancient civilizations, where natural hot springs were used for bathing and therapeutic purposes. In modern times, hot water has been harnessed for a variety of applications, including geothermal energy production, heating and cooling systems, and spa tourism. Over the decades, research has shifted from basic exploration and extraction techniques to more sophisticated methods of resource management and sustainability. Key milestones include the development of geothermal power plants, advancements in direct-use applications, and the implementation of regulatory frameworks to protect these valuable resources.

This Special Issue aims to explore innovative strategies and technologies for the sustainable utilization of hot water resources. Researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers are encouraged to contribute their findings and insights to advance knowledge in this critical area. The focus of this issue is on balancing the exploitation of these resources with environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social equity.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Innovative Extraction Techniques: the development of advanced drilling and extraction technologies to minimize environmental impact and enhance resource recovery;
2. Resource Management and Conservation: strategies for the sustainable management of hot water resources, including monitoring, regulation, and community engagement;
3. Environmental Impact Assessment: evaluations of the ecological effects of hot water use and mitigation measures to protect ecosystems;
4. Technological Advancements in Utilization: emerging technologies for efficient thermal energy use, such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and hybrid renewable energy systems;
5. Economic and Social Aspects: analysis of the economic benefits and social implications of thermal water resource use, including job creation, local development, and public health;
6. Climate Change Adaptation: studies on the role of thermal water resources in climate change mitigation and adaptation, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience;
7. Case Studies and Best Practices: documentation of successful projects and best practices in the sustainable use of thermal water resources across different regions and contexts.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, review papers, case studies, and theoretical contributions that address these topics. Our goal is to foster interdisciplinary dialog and collaboration to advance the sustainable use of thermal water resources globally.

Dr. Siamak Hoseinzadeh
Dr. Ali Sohani
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. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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.

• thermal management
• heat recovery
• steam generation
• economic evaluation
• environmental impact
• energy utilization
• exergy assessment
• fluid mechanics
• hydrogeology
• performance optimization