Abstract: High-strength electric detonation (HEED) is a new type of permeability enhancement technology for physical coal seams. This study elaborates the technical principles and scientific connotation of HEED: "the precise control and directional release" of physical energy. We compared HEED with major permeability enhancement technologies of coal seams to highlight its technological advantages: precise energy control, ultra-low water consumption, and environmental friendliness. We then reviewed its development history and summarized the three-stage propagation of shock waves generated by the electro-hydraulic effect and their fracturing patterns on coal and rock. The performance and applicability of HEED under complex geological conditions were verified through representative engineering cases. This study also identified limitations in the engineering applications of HEED and its future research directions in fundamental theory, equipment series, technical processes, engineering applications and technological synergy, offering theoretical references for its standardization, engineering application and promotion.