原翻译用 a basis for... “是做某事的基础”，简练直接。网友的翻译也可，但比较啰嗦。
a basis for 的例句：
The tests are supposed to provide a basis for the assessment of children
这些测试应该可以为评价儿童提供一个基础。
《柯林斯高阶英汉双解学习词典》
The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study.
第一年为学生以后的学习奠定坚实的理论基础。
《牛津词典》
评价如下：
Energy is an essential material basis for human survival and development. （较好）
Energy is an essential material basis that human rely on to survive and develop. （尚可）
如果网友一定要使用 rely on（赖以），可以这样翻译：
Energy is an essential material basis on which human survival and development relies.
Energy is an essential material basis (which/that) human survival and development relies on.
能源是人类赖以生存和发展的重要物质基础。
