Abstract:The effective protection and utilization of water resources is the common key basis for the country to promote the adjustment of energy structure, to develop low-carbon technology and environmental protection, to cope with global climate change, and to achieve the strategic goal of “reaching carbon peak in 2030 and reaching carbon neutralization in 2060”. From the perspective of the significant role of water resources science and technology development in promoting carbon neutralization, the history and strategic development trend of water resources utilization and protection was reviewed and summarized, and the key role of water resources utilization in developing the application potential of clean energy and promoting the low carbon of national energy structure was elaborated. The natural advantages of water resources utilization and protection in reducing carbon sources and improving carbon sinks were studied. The technical methods of efficient and intelligent utilization and protection of water resources were systematically reviewed, such as intelligent water conservancy information network and feedback regulation, multi-source information monitoring system and integrated model, special underground space utilization and underground energy storage facilities, eco-hydraulic engineering and zero-carbon hydropower station system, transformation and grid connection of small-medium hydropower stations, and off-grid wind–light–water complementary system, based on the five development directions of intelligent planning and operation, ecological energy integration, full differentiation of space utilization, green design and construction and overall planning of transformation and development. The research findings are of great significance to protect the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and other important river basins, to promote the practice of national water resources utilization major strategic projects, and to help to achieve the “3060 Goal”.