There is widespread interest in exploiting lignocellulose as a potential source of low-cost sugars to produce second generation bioethanol by industrial fermentation. To hydrolyse the cellulose enzymatically, pre-treatments are required to remove lignin and other protective barriers.

This report reviews the literature on the wide-range of pre-treatment technologies available, in relation to their functionalities and efficacies and relative economic benefits indicated from techno-economic assessments (TEAs).