The Program on Energy and Sustainable Development is a multi-year, interdisciplinary program that draws on the fields of political science, law and economics. With substantial core funding from the Electric Power Research Institute, the Program began operation in September 2001 at the Center for Environmental Science and Policy, part of the Stanford Institute for International Studies. In December 2003 BP joined the Program as a core sponsor; as well, the program raises funds from other donors, foundations and agencies.

At the present, our research focuses on five platforms: Political Economy of Electricity Markets, examining the interaction of the political, legal and economic forces that affect how countries restructure their electricity systems; Geopolitics of Gas, including a study of potential demand from China and India; Energy and Development, developing and applying of sophisticated quantitative economic and engineering models to explain the factors of "energy transitions"; Climate Change Policy, focusing on issues surrounding the engagement of developing countries in the international effort to tame carbon; and National Oil Companies, studying influences creating variation in the strategy and performance of oil enterprises.

The core program at Stanford includes a Director, a full time staff, and a network of overseas affiliates. A large fraction of PESD's resources are devoted, through the Program's network to research and outreach activities.