Abstract: With the implementation of the Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants(GB 13223-2011), the industry of electrostatic precipitator (ESP) will face unprecedented pressure and challenge. The present status and application problems of the electrostatic precipitator were summarized, and the development and application of flue gas pretreatment technology, electrostatic precipitator optimization technology, high-frequency power supply technology, synergy technology and other new technologies were discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of the electrostatic precipitator technology were forecasted, mainly on ontology-based innovation, new power supply development and synergistic removal of multiple pollutants.