Lynd Research Lab: Big Picture Group

The Lynd Lab's Big Picture group is concerned with illuminating and evaluating the extent to which cellulosic biomass can sustainably contribute to meeting world demand for energy services. More specifically, this involves addressing impacts and opportunities in the domains of resource availability, environmental quality, and public policy. Recent activities include:

• Co-leading a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, The Energy Foundation, and the National Commission on Energy Policy entitled The Role of Biomass in America's Energy Future (Growing Energy, Special Issue, Greene et al, 2004).
• A review of estimates for biomass resource availability and why they differ (Lynd et al, 2007).
• A strategic analysis of technical obstacles impeding the emergence of a cellulosic ethanol industry (Lynd et al, 2008).
• Co-leading a follow-on project looking at the feasibility of large-scale biofuel use on a global scale (Issues in Science and Technology, in press; Global Sustainable Bioenergy Project)

Area Leader: Dr. Mark Laser