Energy Timeline By brittanyrowell Jan 1, 1000 Persians build first windmills as an energy source. Jan 1, 1600 British discover how to cook coal (1600s-1700s) Jan 1, 1748 Commercial production of coal begins in Virginia. Jan 1, 1752 Ben Franklin discovers lightning is electricity. Jan 1, 1800 Coal becomes THE fuel used by railroads, and enters the home as a fuel source. Jan 1, 1820 First natural gas well is drilled in New York. Jan 1, 1850 First oil well drilled in Pennsylvania. Jan 1, 1860 First solar power system developed in France. Jan 1, 1892 First use of geothermal energy in Idaho. Jan 1, 1950 First nuclear power plants are built in the U.S. Jan 1, 1980 Scientists find evidence of harmful effects of fossil fuels.