The article reviews the current progress and challenges in the production of lignocellulosic bioethanol, focusing on technological and economic perspectives. Despite the EU's renewable energy directive aiming for a 42.5% bioethanol output, industrialization remains challenging. Recent advancements in pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation techniques are transforming the landscape. Innovations such as deep eutectic solvents (DES) and mechanocatalysis offer significant improvements over traditional methods. DES, particularly acid- and polyalcohol-based DES, effectively remove lignin and hemicellulose, enhancing saccharification efficiency. Mechanocatalysis, combining mechanical treatment with catalysts, reduces crystallinity and improves hydrolysis rates. These advancements contribute to economic viability by reducing costs and improving yields. However, challenges remain, including inhibitor formation, enzyme costs, and the need for further process integration. The article highlights the potential of these innovations to overcome existing shortcomings and envision a more sustainable and competitive bioethanol industry.The article reviews the current progress and challenges in the production of lignocellulosic bioethanol, focusing on technological and economic perspectives. Despite the EU's renewable energy directive aiming for a 42.5% bioethanol output, industrialization remains challenging. Recent advancements in pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation techniques are transforming the landscape. Innovations such as deep eutectic solvents (DES) and mechanocatalysis offer significant improvements over traditional methods. DES, particularly acid- and polyalcohol-based DES, effectively remove lignin and hemicellulose, enhancing saccharification efficiency. Mechanocatalysis, combining mechanical treatment with catalysts, reduces crystallinity and improves hydrolysis rates. These advancements contribute to economic viability by reducing costs and improving yields. However, challenges remain, including inhibitor formation, enzyme costs, and the need for further process integration. The article highlights the potential of these innovations to overcome existing shortcomings and envision a more sustainable and competitive bioethanol industry.