About Us

Mission & Vision

Our Vision

To serve as a reliable, accessible source of energy research and information for policymakers, industry, researchers, and the public.

Our Mission

To provide energy research, policy analysis, and data for Louisiana through collaboration across disciplines at LSU.

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

Faculty and researchers work across energy economics, geology, engineering, environmental science, policy, and law to study energy issues affecting Louisiana.

Research & Data Quality

The Institute conducts energy research, maintains data resources, and supports interdisciplinary research and demonstration projects.

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

Faculty and staff meet with communities and organizations across Louisiana, give presentations, and participate in discussions about energy issues.

Data Resources & Information

The Institute develops energy databases and online applications. Under R.S. 36:358, as amended by Act 331 of 2026, it works with the Louisiana Office of Energy on the state's energy data program.

Partnerships & Collaboration

The Institute works with industry, government, and academic partners on energy research and education. The Energy Innovation core area supports research projects funded through a $25 million gift from Shell.

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 R.S. 36:358 (as amended by Act 331 of 2026), which directs the state's unified energy data program to be carried out in cooperation with the Energy Institute

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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The Institute uses peer review, documented methods, and input from research partners to inform its work.

Louisiana Energy Research Symposium 2025 event banner

Legacy Organizations

The LSU Energy Institute brings together the former Center for Energy Studies and the Louisiana Geological Survey to support energy research, data development, and public service in Louisiana.

Center for Energy Studies

Louisiana Geological Survey

Data Services

The Institute's databases and applications allow users to examine infrastructure investment, employment, air quality, and oilfield restoration data and download available datasets.

Access Our Data Services