Energy use in the U.S.

Steam Engine

Mar 2, 1698

Thomas Savery was an English military engineer and inventor who in 1698, patented the first crude steam engine

Electricity

Mar 2, 1752

Ben Franklin tied a key onto a kite during a storm and proved that static electricity and lightning were the same. His correct understanding of the nature of electricity paved the way for the future.

Electric battery

Mar 2, 1800

First electric battery was invented by Alessandro Volta. The “volt” is named in his honor.

Telegraph

Mar 2, 1809

a crude telegraph was invented in Bavaria by Samuel Soemmering.

Fuel Cell

Mar 2, 1839

the first fuel cell was conceived by Sir William Robert Grove, a Welsh judge, inventor and physicist. He mixed hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of an electrolyte, and produced electricity and water.

Solar energy

Mar 2, 1861

Auguste Mouchout created a steam engine that was powered only by solar energy

Lightbulb

Jan 27, 1880

Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that could glow for over 1500 hours.

Wind powered turbine

Mar 2, 1887

Charles F. Brush designed and erected the world's first wind-powered electric generator in Cleveland, Ohio.

Photoelectric cell

Mar 2, 1887

The first devices to make practical use of the photoelectric
effect, photoelectric cells were of decisive importance in
the electron theory of metals.

Hydroeletric

Mar 2, 1922

First hydroelectric plant built specifically for peaking power was in 1922.