In recent years, with the introduction of low-carbon energy systems, various challenges have emerged in the field, doubling the importance of paying attention to innovative and creative approaches in large-scale energy storage and management. In this regard, underground energy storage and recovery has attracted increasing attention as a national and international need in most countries of the world, especially in IPCC member countries. The Underground Energy Storage & Recovery Conference, organized by Semnan University in collaboration with Sharif University of Technology and Shandong University of China (with professors from the Chinese Academy of Sciences), aims to provide a scientific platform for the exchange of expert opinions, the presentation of recent research results, and the discussion of industrial experiences in this strategic area. Our goal in this conference, by utilizing the scientific and research capacities of leading universities and research institutes across the country, is to identify existing challenges and outline future research and development paths in the field of underground energy storage.

Iran has significant national potential in the energy sector, including vast reserves of oil and natural gas and a wide range of geological formations suitable for subsurface energy storage. In particular, the presence of numerous salt domes and salt formations in different regions of the country provides an attractive and technically proven option for underground storage of natural gas and other energy carriers. These geological advantages, combined with the existing expertise in subsurface engineering and energy generation, provide a valuable foundation for advancing research and practical implementation of underground energy storage technologies.

The conference benefited extensively from the expertise of faculty members, researchers and specialists from major academic and research institutions. In addition, the active participation of industrial partners and sponsors played a significant role in enhancing the scientific quality and effective implementation of the event. The organizing committee would like to sincerely thank all the academic sponsors, collaborating research institutions and sponsors who made the conference possible with their valuable contributions.

It is hoped that this conference will contribute significantly to the advancement of specialized knowledge, strengthening academic-industrial collaborations, and informed decision-making in support of the development of sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.

Secretary General of the Conference

Prof. Seyfolah Saedodin