The subsurface provides more than 80 percent of the energy used in the US and serves as a vast reservoir for CO2, nuclear waste, and energy storage. Despite decades of research, game-changing advances are needed to revolutionize utilization of the subsurface for energy production and storage while also protecting the environment.
Adaptive control of subsurface fractures and fluid flow is a crosscutting challenge that has the potential to transform subsurface energy production and waste storage strategies. The DOE Subsurface Crosscut is integrating expertise and resources across National Laboratories, universities and industry to meet this challenge.