Abstract: The development of petroleum geology depends upon the innovation of relevant theories and technologies. In te1ms of hydrocar-hon generation, geodynamics and reservoir characterization that are the most fundamental subjects contained in petroleum geology, this paper discusses the conditions for generating thought of innovation, and points out that connecting link between the preceding and the fol-lowing and getting rid of the stale and bring forth the fresh are the ruotivity of tbe innovation; being practical and realistic and being es-tablished in plentiful firsthand information are the bases of it; diligence and independent thinking are the key of it, and the innovations of theory and technology b1ing by all means into growing production capacity. These views are more constructive to all petroleum geologists. especially to young generation of them today.

Key words: petroleum geology, theoretical innovation, technical development, hydrocarbon generation, geodynamics, reservoiroir rock