Product

First-generation bioethanol is ethanol fuel produced from food crops that contain readily fermentable sugars or starches. These feedstocks include sugar crops such as sugarcane and sugar beets, and starch crops such as corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, and cassava.

Production Process

First-generation bioethanol is produced through fermentation processes that convert sugars and starches into liquid fuel. For sugar crops like sugarcane, the sugars are directly extracted and fermented into ethanol using yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For starch crops like corn, an additional enzymatic hydrolysis step is required to first convert the starch into fermentable sugars before fermentation can occur.

Characteristics

First-generation bioethanol technologies are well-established and commercially mature, with corn ethanol in the United States and sugarcane ethanol in Brazil being the most common examples. These biofuels are also referred to as "conventional" biofuels and currently represent the primary type of bioethanol produced globally.

Challenges

The main challenges associated with first-generation bioethanol include the "food versus fuel" debate, where using food crops for biofuel production raises concerns about food security and impacts on food prices. Additionally, first-generation bioethanol faces higher feedstock costs compared to alternative generations, and its reliance on arable land can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

References

1. LEC Partners. First Generation and Second Generation Biofuels (Feb 6, 20021)
2. López R. Understanding first, second, third, and fourth generation biofuels (Mar 17, 2024). JORD
3. Nagler A. & Gerace S.. B-1360.3: First and Second Generation Biofuels - What’s the Difference (Apr 2020). Wyoxtension
4. Jain, S. & Kumar, S.. A comprehensive review of bioethanol production from diverse feedstocks: Current advancements and economic perspectives. Energy, 296, 131130. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.131130
5. Sustainability Directory. What Are the Primary Feedstocks for First-Generation Biofuels and Their Conversion Processes? (Nov 20, 2025)
6. Lee R.A. & Lavoie J.-M., From first- to third-generation biofuels: Challenges of producing a commodity from a biomass of increasing complexity. Animal Frontiers, 3(2): pp 6–11. DOI: 10.2527/af.2013-0010
7. Wisdom Library. Significance of First generation feedstock (Dec 11, 2025)