Research
We take a collaborative approach to solve the challenges of the global energy expansion.
The Energy Institute engages in useful and collaborative research involving multiple disciplines within the university as well as external stakeholders―policymakers, community members and industry representatives―to identify the relevant issues or challenges that merit further study.
In interdepartmental research, the participating departments bring their distinct perspectives, expertise and methodologies to the table to tackle complex issues that require a multidisciplinary approach. This collaborative effort allows for a broader and more comprehensive exploration of every research topic, as different disciplines contribute complementary insights and approaches toward innovative solutions.
LSU is a land-grant university, which means we place a high value on applied research to solve real-world problems. By involving stakeholders from the outset, our work fosters mutual learning and shared knowledge that can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.
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White Papers
“The LSU Local Engagement, Assessment, and Planning Model (LEAP)” by Margaret Reams, Tim Slack, Brian Snyder, and Greg Upton provides a template for LSU researchers to facilitate more systematic community engagement related to new energy investments in Louisiana.
The LEAP combines approaches for participatory community planning, assessment of community needs, and economic analyses to guide and inform the development of new energy projects in the state. At the time this white paper was written, decarbonization investments were front and center, but the framework is adaptable to a variety of project types.
“Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” authored by LSU faculty Greg Upton, Ipsita Gupta, Kanchan Maiti, Siddhartha Narra, Brian Snyder, and Joanna Walker together with colleague Mark Agerton at UC Davis, provides context on orphan and idle wells in Louisiana, digs deep into relevant state and federal policies, reviews the geological and well characteristics that likely affect methane leakage from wells, examines the methane measurements conducted by contractors and researchers at LSU, and estimates the amount of methane potentially leaking from these wells.
The report also estimates the cost to P&A all orphan and idle wells in Louisiana along with an economic impact valuation of the expected emissions reductions, employment, and gross state product.
“The Potential for Hydrogen in Louisiana” by LSU faculty Anurag Mandalika, John Flake, Brian Snyder, and Greg Upton outline what hydrogen is, how it is produced and used and transported, and why we should care about this alternative to fossil fuels to lower the emissions intensity or “carbon intensity” of production processes in Louisiana. The combustion of hydrogen generates only water. Therefore, if obtained in the proper way, hydrogen is considered a low-carbon (or theoretically zero-carbon intensity) as a fuel.
You might have heard about green and blue hydrogen, but did you know most hydrogen produced today is grey hydrogen? And what about pink? Pink hydrogen is produced when the electricity for water electrolysis originates from nuclear fission.
“Gulf Coast Energy Outlook 2025” provides an analysis of the Gulf Coast's energy landscape and its trajectory through the upcoming years. Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton, Professor Emeritus David E. Dismukes, Research Fellow D. Andrew Owens, and Director of Energy Education & Outreach Chris McLindon authored the report.
Key findings include that the Gulf Coast—comprising Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama—continues to play a vital role in global energy production and exports; sustained growth in Gulf Coast oil and gas production; and a continuied expansion of energy demands and energy transition initiatives, particularly in “clean” hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture technologies.
“Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design” by Dr. Aly Mousaad Aly, director of the Louisiana State University Windstorm Impact, Science, and Engineering (WISE) research and education laboratory. This paper was supported by funding from the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation and discusses how LSU WISE’s open-jet testing facility’s unique capabilities to produce complete turbulence at a large scale is revolutionizing solar panel and building design to cope with intense weather-related wind.
This paper is a product of the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation’s “Advancing Solar Deployment for Louisiana Communities: Optimal Design and Windstorm Mitigation for Enhanced Performance, Durability, and Cost Reduction” on which Dr. Aly is the principal investigator.
“Exploring the Tools and Methods for Community-Engaged Solar Design and Development” by Dr. Arup Bhattacharya, Assistant professor, Department of Construction Management at Louisiana State University. This paper was supported by funding from the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation and is a study of existing reports, publications, and conference proceedings to assess the current state of knowledge relating to three crucial aspects of solar deployment: numerical simulation tools to study the resiliency of ground-mounted solar structures against extreme weather-related wind and water forces, the importance of community engagement for urban design framework development and implementation, and integration of renewable energy in the existing grid for optimal operation.
This paper is a product of the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation’s “Utilizing the Sun for a Sustainable Future in Louisiana – a Pilot Solar Deployment Project at LSU” on which Dr. Bhattacharya is the principal investigator.
Opportunities for Funding & Collaboration
The Energy Institute engages all of LSU to help the people and organizations of Louisiana solve energy challenges. Our interdisciplinary approach enables LSU to delve deep into the intricacies of energy systems, exploring not only the technical aspects but also the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of energy production, distribution, and consumption. By working collaboratively across disciplines, the institute can generate innovative solutions that effectively address the most pressing energy issues of our time.
Please check back soon for opportunities for funding and collaboration. We are just getting started.