Niels Hartog

Dr. Niels Hartog is a Guest Associate Professor in Environmental Hydrogeology at Utrecht University and Principal Scientist (Team Geohydrology) at KWR Water Research Institute. His expertise spans groundwater geochemistry, geothermal energy, managed aquifer recharge (MAR), subsurface thermal energy storage (ATES), and contaminant remediation. He leads research on sustainable groundwater use, energy systems integration, and subsurface engineering challenges.

Research Interests:
- Thermal energy storage in aquifers (ATES/HT-ATES)
- Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for water security
- DNAPL source zone characterization and remediation
- Geothermal energy systems and subsurface scalability
- Coastal zone hydrology and variable-density flow

Notable Contributions:
- Pioneered use of multiple partially-penetrating wells (MPPW) to enhance ATES efficiency
- Investigated methane migration risks from abandoned wells
- Developed models for thermal recovery efficiency in heterogeneous aquifers
- Co-authored over 110 publications on hydrogeology and environmental engineering

Professional Roles:
- KWR Water Research Institute: Leading geohydrology research for sustainable water solutions
- Utrecht University: Teaching and supervising in environmental hydrogeology