About Us

Mission & Vision

Our Vision

To serve as a credible, accessible resource for policymakers, industry, researchers, and the public as energy-related challenges and opportunities continue to evolve.

Our Mission

To serve as Louisiana's trusted source for energy research, policy analysis, and data—advancing evidence-based solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses complex energy challenges.

The LSU Energy Institute serves as the university's focal point for energy-related research, analysis, education, and engagement. Building on the long-standing work of the LSU Center for Energy Studies established in 1982, the Institute brings together faculty, data, and expertise from across the LSU campus to address complex energy issues that matter to Louisiana and have relevance well beyond the state.
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The Energy Institute is organized around 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.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Uniting expertise across energy economics, geological sciences, engineering, environmental science, policy analysis, and law. Faculty and researchers from across these fields contribute to a common understanding of Louisiana's energy landscape.

Research & Data Quality

Conducting research that addresses critical energy challenges while sustaining Louisiana’s role as a premier source for energy information and geological data. Facilitating interdisciplinary research and demonstration-scale projects that link research to practical implementation.

Evidence-Based Policy Development

Providing objective, non-advocacy analysis and technical expertise to support energy policy decisions at local, state, and federal levels. For over 40 years, faculty have supported Louisiana's Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies through rigorous analysis and direct engagement with policymakers.

Community Engagement

Engaging communities and stakeholders across Louisiana to build trust and align energy investments with local priorities. Faculty and staff regularly travel statewide to deliver presentations, participate in meetings, and facilitate dialogue tailored to the needs of individual communities and organizations.

Data Resources & Information

Delivering authoritative databases and data portals that provide comprehensive insights into Louisiana's energy landscape. Under Act 727, the Institute works with the Louisiana Office of Energy to support the state's unified energy data program, emphasizing methodological rigor and transparent, replicable analysis.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Building strong relationships with industry, government, and academic partners to accelerate energy innovation and workforce development. Through the Energy Innovation core area—built on a $25 million gift from Shell—the Institute provides structured pathways for stakeholders to engage with cutting-edge energy research at LSU.

Our Integrated Approach

The Institute draws on expertise in energy economics, policy, geological sciences, engineering, and environmental science to address energy questions that cross disciplinary boundaries. This integration supports analysis that considers both technical and economic dimensions of energy systems.

40+ years of energy policy expertise through the Center for Energy Studies, providing objective analysis to Louisiana's Legislature, regulatory bodies, and public agencies

90+ years as Louisiana's authoritative source for geological research, and serving as the state's official geological survey under R.S. 17:1492

Legislative mandates ensuring objective analysis and public service, including Act 727 establishing the Energy Institute's role as Louisiana's energy information center

Commitment to transparency, non-advocacy, and analytical rigor across all research and policy engagements

Industry relationships spanning traditional and emerging energy sectors, supporting both near-term problem solving and longer-term capability building

Research Standards and Approach

The Institute maintains standards of research integrity, transparency, and objectivity. Work is guided by scientific rigor and public service, with peer review and stakeholder engagement informing research priorities and outputs.

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Through rigorous peer review, collaborative partnerships, and continuous engagement with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia, the Institute ensures its research and services meet the evolving needs of Louisiana's energy sector and support evidence-based decision-making for a sustainable energy future.

Louisiana Energy Research Symposium 2025 event banner

Legacy Organizations

LSU Energy Institute brings together long-standing programs like the Center for Energy Studies and Louisiana Geological Survey, integrating their historic research and outreach to provide unified, policy-relevant energy data, analysis, and innovation for Louisiana's future.

Center for Energy Studies

Louisiana Geological Survey

Data Services

Authoritative dashboards and data portals provide Louisiana energy insights, enabling users to, among other things, explore infrastructure investments and job trends, monitor air quality or oilfield restoration, and download customized datasets for research and decision-making.

Access Our Data Services

Mission & Vision

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