Heavy duty gas turbine is the core power equipment of energy efficient conversion and clean utilization system in the 21st century and even longer. It is important for an efficient, clean and safe energy system. The heavy duty gas turbine is developed and manufactured at a level that represents a country's heavy industry and is by far the most efficient thermoelectric conversion equipment. This paper introduces the development status of the heavy duty gas turbine industry at home and abroad, summarizes the working principle and characteristics of heavy duty gas turbines, and prospects the development trend of heavy duty gas turbines.