This review explores the potential of second-generation biomass as a feedstock for bioethanol production. Bioethanol, a liquid biofuel, plays a key role in the global energy transition by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security. It is produced from lignocellulosic biomass, which is abundant, renewable, and inexpensive. However, the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass faces challenges such as the recalcitrance of cell walls, multiple pretreatment steps, prolonged hydrolysis time, and the formation of inhibitory products. This review provides an overview of biomass and bioenergy, the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, biofuel classification, bioethanol as an energy source, bioethanol production processes, pretreatment and hydrolysis techniques, inhibitory product formation, fermentation strategies, microorganisms used for fermentation, distillation, legislation supporting advanced biofuels, and industrial projects on advanced bioethanol. The review aims to identify the best conditions and technologies for sustainable and cost-effective bioethanol production. The study involved a comprehensive literature search using Google and academic databases, with articles screened based on titles and abstracts. Full-text articles were reviewed to determine their eligibility for inclusion. The quality of the included articles was evaluated based on the credibility of the reports and key insights were identified and analyzed. The review highlights the importance of biomass as a renewable energy source, the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, the classification of biofuels, the production processes of bioethanol, and the challenges and opportunities in advancing bioethanol technology. The review also discusses the potential of second-generation biofuels, including bioethanol, produced from lignocellulosic biomass, and the challenges associated with their production. The review emphasizes the need for further research to overcome the challenges in bioethanol production and to develop sustainable and cost-effective technologies for bioethanol production.This review explores the potential of second-generation biomass as a feedstock for bioethanol production. Bioethanol, a liquid biofuel, plays a key role in the global energy transition by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security. It is produced from lignocellulosic biomass, which is abundant, renewable, and inexpensive. However, the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass faces challenges such as the recalcitrance of cell walls, multiple pretreatment steps, prolonged hydrolysis time, and the formation of inhibitory products. This review provides an overview of biomass and bioenergy, the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, biofuel classification, bioethanol as an energy source, bioethanol production processes, pretreatment and hydrolysis techniques, inhibitory product formation, fermentation strategies, microorganisms used for fermentation, distillation, legislation supporting advanced biofuels, and industrial projects on advanced bioethanol. The review aims to identify the best conditions and technologies for sustainable and cost-effective bioethanol production. The study involved a comprehensive literature search using Google and academic databases, with articles screened based on titles and abstracts. Full-text articles were reviewed to determine their eligibility for inclusion. The quality of the included articles was evaluated based on the credibility of the reports and key insights were identified and analyzed. The review highlights the importance of biomass as a renewable energy source, the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, the classification of biofuels, the production processes of bioethanol, and the challenges and opportunities in advancing bioethanol technology. The review also discusses the potential of second-generation biofuels, including bioethanol, produced from lignocellulosic biomass, and the challenges associated with their production. The review emphasizes the need for further research to overcome the challenges in bioethanol production and to develop sustainable and cost-effective technologies for bioethanol production.