Second generation bioethanol production: Technical progress, possibilities and challenges

Abstract

Energy consumption has increased steadily over the last century as the world population has grown and many countries have become more industrialized. Increase in energy demand and depletion of fossil reserves have motivated researchers toward the development of alternative fuels that are eco-friendly, renewable and economical. Production of ethanol by utilization of lignocellulosic biomass materials including agricultural and forest residues, herbaceous and woody crops have become capable alternatives that offer unique ecological and economic benefits. Bioethanol, a renewable, eco-friendly and sustainable liquid fuel is expected to have a promising future in confronting today’s global energy crisis. Even though, production of bioethanol has been greatly improved by new technologies, there are still challenges that need to be investigated. Technical progress in the development of second generation bioethanol production, promises and challenges are explained. The prominence on developing an elementary understanding of the technology for biomass conversion to ethanol, reduction in production costs and strategies to accelerate commercialization are discussed.