Background The world's energy utilization has shifted from high-carbon, high-polluting, non-renewable energy to low-carbon, clean, renewable energy. In this process, the utilization of low-carbon, clean energy typified by natural gas, wind power, solar energy, and hydrogen energy needs to be coupled with deep underground storage space (DUSS) to offset their regional constraints and instability. Additionally, low- and zero-carbon technologies like carbon dioxide (CO₂) geological storage also rely on DUSS. Therefore, investigating the theories, technologies, and prospects of DUSS utilization under the low-carbon background will provide significant guidance for efficient DUSS utilization in China.

Methods Based on the investigation into the types and utilization history of global DUSS, as well as the current status of DUSS utilization in China, this study determined the historical stages of global DUSS utilization and provided a summary of the orientations and current status of diversified DUSS utilization, as well as the theoretical and technical status of the construction of underground storage facilities based on DUSS. Furthermore, this study analyzed China's theoretical and technical contributions to the construction of underground storage facilities, along with China's challenges and countermeasures in DUSS utilization.

Results and Conclusions  Generally, the DUSS utilization has been conducted for about 110 years, including three major stages: the initial development stage (1915‒1945), the rapid development stage (1946‒1998), and China's catch and synchronous development stage (1999‒the present). Despite a short history of large-scale DUSS utilization, China holds the originality and leadership of the theories and technologies for the construction of layered salt rock reservoirs and underground water reservoirs in coal mines. Moreover, China has developed the theories and technologies for constructing underground gas storage (UGS) facilities under complex geologic conditions. At present, China holds only limited completed underground storage facilities with single types and application scenarios, lacking completed UGS facilities in aquifers. It is necessary to put more effort into achieving theoretical and technical breakthroughs in hydrogen, helium, and oil storage in salt caverns, as well as CO₂ geological storage in saline aquifers. Besides, the resource allocation for DUSS requires enhanced top-level design by the Chinese government and the coordination of various departments. To reach the goals of carbon neutrality and peak carbon dioxide emissions, the DUSS utilization in China holds promising prospects. Underground storage facilities will provide significant support for the large-scale development of industries including natural gas, wind and solar power, green hydrogen, and carbon sequestration in China. The construction of underground storage facilities will reach a 100-billion industrial scale, holding the potential for fostering new technologies and industries and representing significant industrial innovation points for the development of new quality productive forces.