In the context of that global climate change has become an international hot issue, the CO₂ utilization through conversion of CO₂ into high value-added fuels is one of the possible ways to solve this problem. Combining this process with solar energy can contribute to solve the challenge which CO₂ is chemically inert and difficult to be converted into other molecules thermodynamically. Among a variety of approaches on converting CO₂ into energy carrier by solar energy, a promising new method for the production of synthetic fuel from solar-driven two-step CO₂-splitting thermochemical cycles is being developed. In this paper, we first described the research progress and research priorities in this field of some international research institutions. We also analyzed the technical principle and the basic research works need to be carried out in the future. The future research will focus on: (1) the fundamental analysis of radiation heat exchange coupled to the kinetics of heterogeneous thermochemical systems; (2) the design of advanced chemical reactor concepts based on the direct irradiation of reactants for efficient energy absorption; (3) the development of high-temperature materials (T>1500℃) for thermochemical reactors. Domestic research institutions which have the work foundation of high-temperature solar thermochemical utilization should pay more attention to this area and carry out related investigation. Their work will contribute to China's carbon emission reduction.