Louisiana State University has announced a $27.5 million commitment from Shell to establish the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation.

The largest gift ever to the university from a for-profit corporation includes $25 million to launch the institute and $2.5 million to construct the LSU Our Lady of the Lake Interdisciplinary Science Building, the university’s top capital priority currently. According to LSU, approximately $6.4 million of the gift will be directed toward diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives centered on faculty and student support as well as workforce development within the energy industry.

“Louisiana is a great example of corporations, government, and society coming together to address climate change and support a changing energy system,” said Shell USA president Gretchen Watkins. 

“Energy represents a central driver of Louisiana’s economy, and Louisiana buttresses the nation’s energy supply, putting LSU in the unique position to partner with industry to discover innovative methods to fuel our nation,” said LSU president William F. Tate IV. “Together with Shell, we invite fellow industry leaders to join us in pioneering the research and development pathways forward to protect and preserve Louisiana’s energy economy, while meeting the nation’s future energy needs.” 

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