ABSTRACT
The continuous increment in oil demand and the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment make the searching for alternative renewable fuels imperative. Currently, bioethanol produced through the fermentation of corn, sugarbeet, or sugarcane, is the most common renewable fuel. However, the use of edible biomass raises ethical issues, and it is being accused of causing starvation in developing countries. Sugar sources that cannot be directly linked to food production are then considered the most appropriate substitute raw materials. Lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural and forestry residues, which are produced in large quantities worldwide, are examples of these sources. The production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising technology which includes processes like lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation. This chapter discusses some of the challenges and limitations involved in the sustainable bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.
