About Roeland Nieboer
The energy transition requires a better understanding of the subsurface. Roeland Nieboer works on developing innovative measurement and monitoring techniques that help make this possible. His research focuses on applications ranging from shallow geothermal energy and aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) to offshore wind energy and sustainable management of offshore sand resources.
As an applied geophysical researcher, Roeland combines seismic methods, ground-penetrating radar and fibre-optic sensing to measure acoustic signals, temperature and strain in the subsurface. He is particularly interested in active-heating temperature sensing, which creates new opportunities for monitoring groundwater flow and thermal processes beneath the surface.
"Data only becomes valuable when you understand what it means. By first simulating a method, then testing it in a controlled laboratory environment and finally performing a field test, we can develop monitoring techniques that are both scientifically robust and useful in the real world."
His approach forms the basis of GeoSIM, a workflow that connects simulation, experimentation and field deployment. By systematically reducing uncertainty and testing technologies under increasingly realistic conditions, it helps accelerate progress through the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The result is a smoother path from research concept to field-proven monitoring solution, ready for adoption by industry and government and application at scale.
Curiosity plays a central role in his work. Roeland enjoys exploring whether emerging sensing technologies can answer questions that were previously difficult or impossible to address. Whether deploying sensors in geothermal wells, along offshore energy infrastructure or in meandering rivers, he is motivated by turning new ideas into meaningful observations and insights.
Roeland is committed to open and reproducible research. He develops and maintains DeltaSEIS, an open-source seismic processing package, and actively shares knowledge with colleagues, students and the wider geoscience community. In addition, he teaches geophysical field practicals for Master's students at Utrecht University, helping future geoscientists gain hands-on experience in collecting, processing and interpreting subsurface data.
Areas of expertise
- Fibre-optic sensing - acoustic, (active-heating) temperature and strain
- Shallow geothermal energy (LTG) and Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES)
- Seismic and ground-penetrating radar imaging and monitoring
- Offshore wind and offshore sand resources
- Integrated subsurface monitoring, data fusion and AI
- Open-source geophysical software development
Subjects
- Energy transition
- Shallow geothermal (LTG) and Temperature storage (ATES)
- Offshore wind ad offshore sand mining
- Fiber optic sensing
- Applied geophysics
- Open-source software