The aim of this paper was to review the literature reports on the production of second generation bioethanol, with particular emphasis on the role of the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass. The paper characterises raw materials base and the stages of production of bioethanol. Moreover it provides an evaluation of potential benefits associated with the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. Apart from that, it highlights difficulties of exploitation of lignocellulosic biomass which are mainly caused by the crystalline structure of cellulose and the presence of lignin in the structure of the biomass. It presents the classification of the leading methods of pre-treatment and their usefulness for effective preparation of raw materials for ethanol fermentation. It discusses the desirability of selection of appropriate methods of pre-treatment of biomass, indicating the potential benefits as well as losses caused by the use of unsuitable reagents and conditions. It presents the problems related to the use of chemical agents in the pretreatment stage, e.g. the cost of purchase and recycling of chemicals, corrosion of equipment, the need for neutralisation or removal of chemicals before the fermentation stage. Attention is also paid to the process parameters, enzymes, yeasts and other microorganisms used in the process, having abilities to ferment hexoses and pentoses generated during the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose.