Abstract: Heavy duty gas turbine is by far the most efficient thermal-power conversion equipment for power generation.The R ＆ D and manufacture of the gas turbine represent the achievements of the heavy industry of the country.The history,current status and development tendency of the heavy duty gas turbine were presented.Major technical features were given for the current and next generation productions.It is pointed out that the future energy system would be eventually developed to the near zero emissions coal based system with hydrogen gas turbine.Concerning the development of Chinese heavy duty gas turbine industry,it is clear that the fundamental research and application research are the core of the technical innovation system.It should exert the advantage of the whole nation system under the condition of socialist market economy.While drawing lessons from the foreign successful experiences,the heavy duty gas turbine technology innovation system and competitive industrial system should be developed based on a combined education,production and research platform.It is expected that the urgent needs on the heavy-duty gas turbine from the growing national economy and energy could be met domestically as soon as possible.