Current main methods for heavy oil recovery are summarized,the status of thermal recovery,chemical flooding,carbon dioxide flooding,microbial flooding,and electromagnetic heating is introduced.The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are analyzed,and the development trends of heavy oil recovery technologies are predicted.It is proposed that reconciling economic benefits and environmental protection will be the trend for heavy oil recovery in the future.Thermal recovery method discharges more carbon dioxide,and chemical flooding method causes pollution to the environment and difficulties in water treatment.Clean energy is conducive to heavy oil recovery and improving recovery efficiency.