Energy in the U.S.

First Electric Plant Built

Sep 4, 1882

America's first power plant build by Thomas Edison in New York

First Windmill to Generate Electricity

Sep 14, 1888

Charles F. Brush develops the first windmill that can generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio.
*Not really developed September 14, but developed the year of 1888

The Modern Oil Industry is Born

Jan 10, 1901

Oil erupted from Texas' Vast Spindletop Oil Field and the "black gold" led to the discovery of the oil industry.

The Hoover Dam is Built

Sep 30, 1935

The world's largest hydroelectric power plant is built on the Colorado River in Arizona in 1935. It was the world's largest hydroelectric producer until 1948.

Atomic Energy Act of 1946

Aug 1, 1946

The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission was created to manage the atomic energy programs in the nation.

Petroleum Becomes America's Most Used Fuel

Sep 14, 1950

Due to the demand for automobiles the year of 1950 is the first year of petroleum being the most used fuel in America.
*September is not the day, it is a default for the day of year

First Nuclear Power Reactor Generates Electricity

Dec 20, 1951

Built in Idaho. December 20th was the first time the nuclear reactor produced useful electricity.

Storing Solar Energy

Apr 2, 1996

The Solar Two Power tower in California demonstrates the ability to collect and store solar energy efficiently and generate electricity for the utility and customers when needed.

Hydrogen Future Act of 1996

Oct 9, 1996

Act passed to expand hydrogen power development in hopes that hydrogen energy will become one of the nation's primary energy sources.

Recovery Act Funding Solar and Geothermal Energy Research

May 27, 2009

President Obama announces that $467 million will go towards the further development of the use of geothermal and solar energy.

Sources

Sep 14, 2016

Thanks to Google for the pictures and to the website following for the information on the timeline http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015