Education & Outreach

Energy Fundamentals

A weeklong course on the U.S. energy sector — its history, science, and economics — with a focus on Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Offered in two identical sessions this summer.

Session 1 · Closed
June 22–26, 2026
Session 2 · Open
July 13–17, 2026
Register for Session 2 (In-State)
Register for Session 2 (Out-of-State)

Energy Fundamentals provides a broad overview of the U.S. energy sector. Over five days, participants are exposed to the history, science, and economics of producing and consuming energy — from molecules in the ground to electrons on the grid to the policies that shape both.

It is built for early-career professionals, those transitioning into energy, and anyone in industry, government, or the community looking to deepen their knowledge and expand their network. No technical background is required.

The complete curriculum is identical in both sessions, and participants may attend specific days from either session based on availability.

Dates
June 22–26 & July 13–17, 2026 (Mon–Fri)
Hours
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily; check-in from 7:30 a.m.
Location
Dalton J. Woods Auditorium, Energy, Coast & Environment Building, LSU
Format
Three focus areas: Molecules, Electrons, Policy & Politics

Our partner

Energy Fundamentals is offered in partnership with the United States Association for Energy Economics (USAEE). USAEE members are eligible for discounted registration.

The logo of USAEE

Gallery

Blake Canfield discusses regulatory frameworks and legal considerations for Louisiana’s energy sector at the 2026 event.
Andrew Owens leads a session on power markets and grid fundamentals at the 2026 event.
Jody Broussard discusses Louisiana’s Oilfield Site Restoration Program and efforts to manage orphaned well sites.
Steven Giambrone discusses pipeline operations and regulatory oversight in Louisiana.
Chris McLindon leads a session on molecules, including oil, gas, fuels, and Louisiana’s regulatory landscape.
Joe Leimkuhler of Beacon Offshore Energies discussing production trends at the 2026 event.
Bruce Westerman, Chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, on natural resource policy and congressional leadership at the 2026 event.
Jason Pettrey from ExxonMobil leads a discussion on the evolving energy landscape at the 2026 event.
Participants tour LSU's PERTT Lab at the 2026 event
Participants tour LSU's 20 MW Cogeneration facility at the 2026 event.
Brandon Frey discusses the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s role in shaping the state’s electricity landscape at the 2026 event.
Former Congressman Garret Graves and David LaCerte, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, discussing the evolving electric power landscape and utility regulation at the 2026 event.

Two sessions, one curriculum

Both weeks cover the same five-day curriculum. Attend a full week, choose individual days, or mix days across the two sessions to fit your schedule.

Session 1

June 22–26, 2026

Monday – Friday
Mon · Jun 22 — Day 1Molecules
Tue · Jun 23 — Day 2Molecules
Wed · Jun 24 — Day 3Electrons
Thu · Jun 25 — Day 4Electrons
Fri · Jun 26 — Day 5Policy
Registration closed
Details
Session 2

July 13–17, 2026

Monday – Friday
Mon · Jul 13 — Day 1Molecules
Tue · Jul 14 — Day 2Molecules
Wed · Jul 15 — Day 3Electrons
Thu · Jul 16 — Day 4Electrons
Fri · Jul 17 — Day 5Policy
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.