This paper gives a brief description of current situation of distributed generation system, and points out that microgrid can run in two kinds of operation modes. The key problems which need to be cautiously considered exist in each operation mode are summarized, and advanced artificial intelligence techniques are adopted to solve those problems as effective tools. The application situation and research status of multi-agent system, artificial neural network, genetic algorithm, fuzzy logic in distributed generation system home and abroad are summarized detailedly. The existing problems and solving thoughts of each artificial intelligence technique are analyzed, and developing directions of artificial intelligence applications in distributed generation system in the future are also prospected.