About Us

Core Areas

Areas of Research and Service

The Institute brings together faculty, data, and expertise from across the LSU campus through seven interconnected core areas: Energy Policy, Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D), Energy Education & Outreach, Energy Information & Data, Energy Innovation, Energy Law, and the Louisiana Geological Survey. Together, these focus areas reflect the Institute's commitment to rigorous analysis, high-quality research, accessible information, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders across Louisiana and beyond.

Energy Policy

Provides independent, non-advocacy analysis and expertise to inform energy policy decisions for Louisiana's legislature, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. This core area delivers rigorous research on energy legislation, regulatory impacts, and policy frameworks.

Energy Research, Development & Demonstration

Coordinates interdisciplinary research activities and demonstration-scale projects that bridge research and real-world application. This core area addresses challenges from carbon capture to energy economics while documenting the Institute's substantial research legacy.

Energy Education & Outreach

Develops educational programs, industry partnerships, and community engagement initiatives to support Louisiana's energy workforce and advance energy literacy. Connects academic expertise with industry needs and public understanding through accessible, research-informed programs including Energy Fundamentals and K-12 partnerships.

Energy Information & Data

Serves as Louisiana's official energy data repository under state legislative mandate (R.S. 36:358, as amended by Act 331 of 2026), working in cooperation with the Louisiana Office of Energy. Provides comprehensive, transparent databases on oil and gas production, electricity, energy employment, and economic metrics with emphasis on methodological rigor and replicability.

Energy Innovation

Advances the development and commercialization of energy technologies through industry partnerships and collaborative research. Built on a $25 million gift from Shell and integrated with FUEL, this area supports deployable, use-inspired research in carbon capture, hydrogen, grid resilience, and next-generation energy systems.

Energy Law

Examines legal and regulatory frameworks shaping Louisiana's energy landscape through collaboration with the LSU Law School, including the Mineral Law Institute and the John P. Laborde Energy Law Center. Provides research-driven analysis on evolving energy regulations and their implications for communities, industry, and policymakers.

Louisiana Geological Survey

Founded in 1934, the Louisiana Geological Survey serves as the state's official geological survey under R.S. 17:1492. LGS provides geological research, mapping, and resource assessment services with over 90 years of expertise, maintaining core and well log repositories and delivering critical geological data for Louisiana's natural resource management.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

The LSU Energy Institute welcomes researchers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate with us. Together, we can advance energy innovation, deliver independent, policy-relevant insights, and develop practical solutions that strengthen Louisiana's position in an evolving energy landscape.