The situation of coal as the stabilizer guarantee the energy safety in China cannot be changed in the short term, and it will continue to face the problems of coal resource protection and the low utilization rate of coal-based solid waste. Through innovative mining methods, improving the recovery rate of coal resources and the large-scale disposal of coal-based solid waste, a new path is being paved for the green and sustainable development of the coal industry. Based on the in-depth research on the development status of coal mining technology, a new roadway excavation method of “excavation-backfill-retention” is proposed. This paper systematically discusses the scientific problems and key technologies of the “excavation-backfill-retention” construction method from three aspects: rapid excavation, continuous and efficient backfilling and safe construction of large-section roadways. The research results show that ① aiming at the engineering problems such as the fast excavation of large section roadway and the stability control of surrounding rock of heading face, three scientific problems are summarized: the matching mechanism between coal and rock characteristics and cutting parameters of roadway boring machine, the spatial transfer mechanism of overburden load and the deformation mechanism of surrounding rock, the interaction relationship between anchor/cable roof and support mechanism. The technology system has been built, which is based on the real-time sensing of the geological environment in the excavation area, the intelligent cooperative operation of the multi-process of falling, loading and transporting coal, the aging control of surrounding rock of the drilling anchor support together with excavation, the anti-leakage and ventilation optimization of the large section roadway. ② The scientific problems of continuous and efficient backfilling are summarized from the two aspects of timely construction of large section roadway bearing system and its bearing performance regulation, including the co-bearing mechanism of background coal anchor/cable, the hydration consolidation mechanism of multi-component solid waste base backfill materials, and the space-time evolution law of physical and mechanical characteristics of backfill are clarified. A continuous and efficient backfill key technology system with the core of safe and efficient backfill space construction, backfill material performance control and backfill material flow-consolidation perception has been established. The breakthrough of relevant theories and technologies can provide a theoretical basis for raw material selection and ratio design of backfill materials, additive development/selection and working performance control, excavation rate and backfill step optimization design, consolidation monitoring of backfill body, etc. ③ Based on the key problems of roadway safety and surrounding rock easy to break, sheet and damage in the whole life cycle, the paper elaborates three scientific problems: the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of stress field of roadway surrounding rock, the evolution mechanism of roadway deformation and damage, the engineering quality monitoring and stability regulation theory of roadway surrounding rock. The key technology system is formed with the intelligent stability warning of the rock surrounding the roadway and the deformation control of the rock surrounding the roadway as the core. It is of great significance to conduct the scientific research and technical demonstration of the “excavation-backfill-retention” construction method in coal mines, and to realize the synergy of large-scale solid waste disposal, efficient coal pillar section recovery and rapid roadway excavation, which can promote the green and low-carbon transformation and development of the coal industry.