As today’s energy policy decisions are not only very complex, but also fundamentally political decisions, the necessity to build them on sound, unbiased and up-to-date information/knowledge makes energy policy analysis and advice from a broad array of non-commercial actors key to effective policy formulation. Taking this into account, it is the aim of this project to establish a multidisciplinary and independent energy think tank consisting of experts from the energy sector, top researchers, engineers, leading trade, economic, environmental, and legal experts who are experienced in delivering high quality policy advice and impact assessments. The think tank will provide policy makers at the European level with objective and unbiased policy advice as well as insights on policy options, including an assessment of their potential impact. Moreover, the think tank will bring to the attention of political decision-makers new trends in technology as well as the objectives and activities of important stakeholders that shape energy policy-making in Europe. In order to assess policy options concerning the four dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, social, institutional), the project will use an integrated assessment framework, backed by high-quality data resources available to the project consortium. To complement this, the project will establish innovative methods of stakeholder engagement and trend identification through the establishment of an ‘Energy Observatory’. Moreover, with transparency being of significant value, INSIGHT_E will make its models, assumptions, and scenarios available through a ‘Scenario Information System’. Implementing a flexible and at the same time profound information tool will bring about significant improvements to the policy making process and hence secure a climate-friendly energy policy.