LSU Energy Institute

08/20/2026

On Monday, LSU Energy Institute’s Greg Upton was quoted by USA TODAY in an article on the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on gasoline and diesel prices.

Read the full article in USA TODAY:

As the Iran ceasefire expires, gas prices are rising, threatening to push up grocery costs and other expenses.

07/17/2026

Another incredible Energy Fundamentals session is in the books, and we closed the week by exploring one of the most dynamic aspects of today's energy landscape: policy.

Former Congressman Garret Graves delivered an outstanding capstone to the course, expertly guiding participants through a day of insightful conversations and diverse perspectives. Throughout the session, he challenged attendees to look beyond headlines, consider competing priorities, and think critically about the complex policy decisions that influence our nation's energy future.

Our final day featured an exceptional lineup of guest speakers representing a broad range of perspectives:
• Nidhi Thakar, Senior Vice President for Policy at Corporate Energy Buyers Association who explored the evolving federal energy policy landscape and the issues shaping today's energy priorities.
• Dustin Davidson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, who shared insights into Louisiana's approach to energy policy and the state's role in supporting a reliable, affordable, and innovative energy future.
• Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), who offered a congressional perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing America's energy sector.
• Former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who reflected on national energy policy, federal leadership, and the importance of balancing energy security, reliability, and economic competitiveness.

A sincere thank you to Garret Graves, our guest speakers, participants, sponsors, and partners for making this year's Energy Fundamentals program such a success. We appreciate everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout both sessions, and we look forward to welcoming another outstanding group of participants next year!

07/14/2026

Energy Fundamentals has gotten off to a great start over the first two days! Special thanks to our knowledgeable guest speakers!!!

- Jason Pettrey (ExxonMobil) Provided insights into refining operations and discussing the importance of community engagement and public relations for facilities operating in close proximity to local communities.
- John Pendergast (LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering) explored the petrochemical industry and its role as both a major energy consumer and a critical part of the broader energy value chain.
- Shruti Mishra, Ph.D. (Sandia National Laboratories) lead participants through the fundamentals of technoeconomic analysis (TEA).
- Ashwith Chilvery with @ Future Use of Energy in Louisiana discussed next-generation carbon management and emerging opportunities across Louisiana's energy landscape.
- Ingmar Schoegl (LSU Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) for discussed combustion and the tradeoffs between efficiency, performance, and emissions.
- The afternoon focused on regulation, with James Blake Canfield, Steven Giambrone, and Jody B. providing an overview of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, followed by Nathan McBride discussed the role of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in permitting and environmental oversight.
- Today's lesson wraps up with a visit to LSU Petroleum Engineering Research, Training & Testing (PERTT) Lab, where participants will see energy research and technology in action! Thanks, Mahendra Kunju, PhD!

We are looking forward to Day 3 as we transition from molecules to electrons, lead by Andrew Owens. Thanks to Chris McLindon for an awesome first two days!

07/02/2026

Energy Fundamentals returns July 13–17, and Wednesday, July 8 is the last day to register at the regular rate before the registration fee increases by $100.

Our June session brought together professionals from across the energy industry for a week of engaging discussions on the fundamentals of today's energy system—from molecules and electrons to markets, infrastructure, regulation, and policy. We're excited to do it again for Session 2!

📅 Register by July 8 to save $100!
🏛️ Louisiana Residents Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/energy-fundamentals-july-2026
🌎 Out-of-State Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/-energy-fundamentals-july-2026---out-of-state

06/26/2026

We wrapped up another outstanding week of Energy Fundamentals today with a fitting conclusion focused on policy.

Former Congressman Garret Graves once again did an exceptional job facilitating thoughtful discussions throughout the day, challenging participants to think critically about the opportunities and tradeoffs facing our energy system.

Our final day featured an outstanding lineup of speakers:
• Congressman Bruce Westerman, Chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, on natural resource policy and congressional leadership.
• Emily Domenech of the U.S. Permitting Council on efforts to improve the speed and efficiency of permitting while balancing environmental stewardship and community interests.
• David LaCerte, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, on the evolving electric power landscape and utility regulation.
• Former Congressman Joe Cunningham, who shared candid insights on navigating today's political landscape and building consensus across party lines, drawing on his experience as a Democrat representing a largely Republican district.

We also had participants break out into groups and propose energy policies for the class to discuss.

Thank you to all of our speakers, participants, sponsors, and partners for making this year's June course such a success. We look forward to welcoming another outstanding cohort in July!

06/25/2026

From power plants to public policy, Day 4 of Energy Fundamentals explored how the electric power sector works—and how decisions about regulation, rates, and investment shape the energy system we rely on every day.

Participants examined electric utility regulation, cost-of-service principles, rate design, generation investment decisions, deregulation, and the challenges of navigating an increasingly uncertain energy future.

A special thank you to Brandon Frey of the Louisiana Public Service Commission for sharing his expertise and helping participants better understand the regulatory framework that guides Louisiana's electric utilities.

There is still time to sign up for the July Session!
📖 Course Information: https://energy.lsu.edu/energy-fundamentals
🏛️ Louisiana Residents Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/energy-fundamentals-july-2026
🌎 Out-of-State Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/-energy-fundamentals-july-2026---out-of-state

06/24/2026

06/24/2026

Over the next two days, Energy Fundamentals participants are taking a deep dive into the electric power sector!

From generation, transmission, and distribution to regulation, rate design, wholesale markets, and the evolving energy transition, participants are exploring how electricity moves from power plants to the customers who depend on it every day.

The curriculum covers conventional and renewable generation technologies, energy storage, integrated resource planning, electric utility regulation, and emerging opportunities shaping the future of the grid.

If you're interested in gaining a practical understanding of today's energy system—from molecules to electrons—there's still time to join our July session!

📖 July 13–17 Course Information: https://energy.lsu.edu/energy-fundamentals

🏛️ Louisiana Residents Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/energy-fundamentals-july-2026

🌎 Out-of-State Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/-energy-fundamentals-july-2026---out-of-state

06/23/2026

Energy Fundamentals continues today!

After a strong start yesterday, participants are diving deeper into the technologies, infrastructure, markets, and policies that power today's energy system.

Throughout the week, participants will hear from a variety of guest speakers covering topics ranging from petroleum engineering to Louisiana's energy and regulatory landscape, including presentations from the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.

Today's lesson concludes with a visit to LSU Petroleum Engineering Research and Technology Transfer (PERTT) Laboratory, where participants will see energy research and technology in action!

There's still time to join our July session and gain a practical understanding of the energy sector from industry experts, researchers, and policymakers.

📖 July 13–17 Course Information: https://energy.lsu.edu/energy-fundamentals
🏛️ Louisiana Residents Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/energy-fundamentals-july-2026
🌎 Out-of-State Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/-energy-fundamentals-july-2026---out-of-state

06/22/2026

What do participants learn during the first two days of Energy Fundamentals?

From energy economics and markets to oil and natural gas geology, exploration, and production, we cover the foundational concepts that shape today's energy system.

🎥 Watch the video for a quick preview.

Our June session is underway and full. Regsitration for the July session is still open—but space is limited.

📖 Course Information: https://energy.lsu.edu/energy-fundamentals
🏛️ Louisiana Residents Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/energy-fundamentals-july-2026
🌎 Out-of-State Registration: https://energyfundamentals.ticketspice.com/-energy-fundamentals-july-2026---out-of-state