10 Energy Events in History

Lightning

Jun 1, 1752

Benjamin Franklin discovered lightning using only a kite and a key.

The First Battery

Jan 1, 1800

Alessandro Volta created a battery with two electrodes. One was made of zinc and the other was made of copper.

Creation of the Solar Panel

Jan 1, 1839

Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller, and Daryl Chapen made a solar panel with an efficiency of 6% with direct sunlight.

Creation of the Refrigerator

Mar 1, 1844

John Gorrie, and American Physician, created the first refrigerator.

First Hydroelectric Power Plant

Sep 30, 1882

The first hydroelectric power plant was built in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Oil strikes Spindleton

Jan 10, 1901

At Spindleton Hill, Texas Pattilo Higgins struck oil.

First Geothermal Plant

Jun 28, 1921

John D. Grant made the first geothermal plant at Geysers, Arkansas.

Robert Moses Niagra Hydroelectric Power Station

Jun 7, 1956

In Lewiston, New York water is diverted from Niagra Falls and converts to energy.

3 Mile Island

Mar 28, 1979

Nuclear power meltdown in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. There were no deaths but it greatly affected public opinion against nuclear power.

Exon Valdez Oil Spill

Mar 24, 1989

In Prince William Sound, Alaska 260,000 to 750,000 barrels of oil were spilled into the water.