Abstract: Ultra-supercritical thermal power generation is regarded at present as a commercial thermal power generation technology with the best technological and economic performance,having a great potential market.Due to the enhancement of both temperature and pressure of steam for the thermal power plant,more critical requirements have been put forward for resistance of the key components against creepage,fatigue,hi-temperature oxidization and corrosion.Therefore,R & D and application of the heat-resistant materials have become the most important basic need for development of the ultra-supercritical thermal power generation technology.Briefed in the paper is the current situation of R & D of heat-resistant materials for thermal power plant.Moreover,the development trend of R & D for the heat-resistant materials for individual key components of the ultra-supercritical thermal power plant are also discussed.