Funding
This project is financed with 6 mio. DKK by the Independent Research Fund Denmark
Research Project Value Creation in Critical Raw Mineral and Green Energy Transition Projects
Project Duration: 11/01/2024 - 06/30/2028
The project "Value Creation in Critical Raw Mineral and Green Energy Transition Projects" - GREEN VALUE explores a core dilemma of the green transition: We need large investments in green energy and mining of critical minerals to combat climate change, but these investments often encroach on land belonging to indigenous and local communities and threaten their livelihoods and identities. This, in turn, creates conflicts which may disrupt the investments.
Through study of four very different cases in Greenland and South Africa the research will unpack how, why and by whom social and corporate value is defined and distributed in large green transition investment projects. We do so by applying a theoretical framework focusing on institutions, policy assemblages and a broader understanding of value including monetary and non-monetary dimensions and temporality. The empirical research will lead to a better theoretical understanding of the politics of value creation in green transition investments and provide a basis to inform policy alternatives.
Through study of four very different cases in Greenland and South Africa the research will unpack how, why and by whom social and corporate value is defined and distributed in large green transition investment projects. We do so by applying a theoretical framework focusing on institutions, policy assemblages and a broader understanding of value including monetary and non-monetary dimensions and temporality. The empirical research will lead to a better theoretical understanding of the politics of value creation in green transition investments and provide a basis to inform policy alternatives.
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Contact
Project coordination Lars Buur, Associate Professor, Roskilde University, lbuur@ruc.dk
Researchers
Denmark
Lars Buur, Associate Professor, Roskilde University, lbuur@ruc.dk
Jacob Ulrich, PhD Fellow, Roskilde University, jacobu@ruc.dk
Bjørk Tørnqvist, PhD Fellow, Roskilde University, bjoerkt@ruc.dk
Greenland
Javier L. Arnaut, Head of Department, Associate Professor,University of Greenland, jaar@uni.gl
South Africa
Steven Robins, professor, Stellenbosch University and Cosmopolitan Karoo, robins@netactive.co.za
Publications
From buying out to buying in? Exploring the politics of value creation in green energy transition projects
Buur, L. & Ulrich, J., 2026, In: Anthropology Southern Africa. Early view, 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Wind and solar projects in Kenya and South Africa don’t always benefit the communities that host them – study
Buur, L., 9 Aug 2026, MelbourneResearch output: Other contribution › Net publication - Internet publication › Communication
Press-media
Collaboration
Base at Roskilde University
The project is based at the Department of Social Science and Business
Participating research units: Global Political Sociology Research group // Socio-Economic Research Centre Research Centre
PhD programme: Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Business - International studies
Relevant degree programmes: International Studies // Global and Development Studies // International Bachelor in Social Science
Research from Roskilde University
More about the project
Find additional information about GREEN VALUE:
Contact
Head of Project
Lars Buur
Professor // Roskilde University
Phone +45 46743684
lbuur@ruc.dk