Suggestions on development and industry layout of special underground space in Western China

Western China has abundant resources and takes an important strategic position. Facing the dual pressure of scarce surface space and ecological protection constraints, special underground space becomes the core carrier for releasing development potential, such as space used for energy storage, material storage, and strategic repository. This research conducts a systematic comparative analysis of the underground space function of the Eastern China and the Western China based on the differential positioning in national strategic perspective. The utilization of underground space in the eastern region focuses on urban underground infrastructure while that in the western region focuses on special underground space driven by major projects. The strategic value of developing western special underground space is analyzed, and the current situation and bottlenecks are summarized. The core directions and layout logic are demonstrated from two aspects, the strategic support type and the energy support type, and technical challenges and countermeasures are concluded during utilization. Finally, suggestions on industrial layout and policy for western special underground space are provided, which is expected to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative development of nationwide underground space.