Abstract: This is the first of a series of review papers on repetitive pulsed power technology. It gives general description about the technological characteristics such as high number of working-cycles, short time interval, and high average power. Typical applications in excimer laser, atmospheric gas discharge, and high-energy accelerator are introduced in order to highlight the significance of the technology. Repetitive pulsed power technology will be further developed mainly in the direction of short pulse and waveform control, while operation parameters of practical generators for specific applications will be pushed to the component limit. Future development of repetitive pulsed power and related technologies will bring more benefits into industrial and civil areas.