Abstract:Human is going into a green, low carbon, sustainable energy era, which will mainly rely on renewable energy. To promote the construction of green, low carbon, smarter, safety and sustainable energy systems, this article reviews the development history of clean, renewable energy utilization from a viewpoint that almost all energy sources on earth mainly come from the solar energy. A brief history of energy utilization is included and the development potential and future of renewable energy are discussed. The paper also points out that in the future human should further innovate to develop solar energy, strive to develop wind power, continue to develop water power, adjust measures to local conditions for the development of biomass energy, and actively develop the hydrogen energy and nuclear power on a basis of secure and efficiency.