The three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL) is widely used for synchronization applications in power systems. In this paper, a new control strategy for three-phase grid-connected LCL inverters without a PLL is presented. According to the new strategy, a current reference can be generated by using the instantaneous power control scheme and the proposed positive-sequence voltage detector. Through theoretical analysis, it is indicated that a high-quality grid current can be produced by introducing the new control strategy. In addition, a kind of independent control for reactive power can be achieved under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions. Finally, the excellent performance of the proposed control strategy is validated by means of simulation and experimental results.