Claudia Kemfert

Prof. Dr. Claudia Kemfert is a Professor of Energy Economics and Energy Policy at Leuphana University and heads the Energy, Transport, Environment Department at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin). She previously held professorships at the Hertie School of Governance (until 2019) and Humboldt University (2004–2009). Her expertise spans energy policy, sustainability, and environmental economics. She advises national and EU institutions, including the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and the European Commission.

Educated at universities in Bielefeld, Oldenburg, and Stanford, she earned her doctorate in 1998. Key roles include membership in the German Advisory Council on the Environment, the Club of Rome’s Presidium, and various EU expert groups. Her research focuses on energy transition strategies, climate policy, and the interplay between energy systems and geopolitical dynamics.

Her recent publications analyze EU energy security, sufficiency strategies, and systemic climate-geopolitical risks. Awards include the Adam Smith Prize (2016) and Urania Medal (2011). She leads projects such as the study on Germany’s nuclear phaseout impacts and contributes to high-profile policy debates via media engagements.