The Energy Internet has now become a hot spot research topic. However

there still exist many disputes about its concept

structure

technology and development path. Based on an investigation of the Internet development experience

the essence and characteristics of the Energy Internet are analyzed

the distinction and connection between the Energy Internet and smart grid are made clear

the key supporting technologies combed

and its possible development paths put forward. It is pointed out that the Energy Internet has broad and narrow meanings. The development of the Energy Internet relies on eight key technologies

such as information and communication technology (ICT)

business models on Internet

etc. In the future

there will coexist two kinds of development models and paths

one is the top-down wide area global Energy Internet model

the other the bottom-up local area energy sharing network model.