Clemens Greiner

Prof. Dr. Clemens Greiner serves as Scientific Managing Director and Senior Researcher at the Global South Studies Center (GSSC), University of Cologne. Based in Room 3.14 at Classen-Kappelmann-Str. 24, Cologne, he leads interdisciplinary research on global development dynamics with a focus on African contexts. His academic profile integrates theoretical rigor with empirical fieldwork across multiple continents.

Greiner's research spans political ecology, energy transitions, and translocal livelihoods. He directs major projects including TRR Future Rural Africa II (C02 Energy Futures) examining renewable energy infrastructures, and S(m)elling the 'Wild' analyzing arboreal essential oils' political economy. His work consistently interrogates power relations in resource governance, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation. Key publications reveal evolving interests from pastoral studies toward energy futures, with recent focus on green hydrogen governance and geothermal development in East Africa.

His leadership in African futures scholarship is evident through edited volumes like African Futures (2022) and the ECAS9 reflection piece (2024). The publication trajectory shows increasing engagement with infrastructure politics, evidenced by 2023-2025 works on heterogeneous infrastructure futures and temporalities of energy projects. His methodological approach blends political ecology with scalar analysis and future-making frameworks.

As Scientific Director of GSSC, Greiner coordinates international research teams across projects like TRR 228 Future Rural Africa. His work connects with broader university initiatives including the GlobE wetlands program and BiPoN nutrition project. Current research emphasizes renewable energy governance in Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa, particularly examining community-investor relations in geothermal frontiers.