In many different industrial domains, hydraulic control systems are extensively utilized. This paper examines the current state of research and the trajectory of energy-efficient hydraulic control system development. Initially, a quick introduction to the control principles of hydraulic control systems is given. Secondly, hydraulic control systems are classified, the factors affecting the energy consumption of hydraulic control systems are analyzed, and the method of reducing its influence on hydraulic control systems is given. Subsequently, research concerning energy conservation is compiled based on the classification of hydraulic control systems. In this paper, the circuit structure of two control modes of a hydraulic control system (valve control system and pump control system) and their related control algorithms (fuzzy PID control, adaptive robust control) for reducing system energy consumption are studied. In summary, the evolution of energy-efficient hydraulic control system approaches is forecasted and projected, offering some pointers for advancing hydraulic control system study and implementation in the industrial future.