Historic Energy Events

William Gilbert

Jan 1, 1600

William Gilbert published "De Magnete". which was his study of electricity and magnets.

Benjamin Franklin flying kite in thunderstorm

Jun 10, 1752

In 1752 Ben Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm with a key attached to the string. This led to his discovery that static electricity is the same as lightening.

The first battery

Mar 20, 1800

Alessandro Volta created the first electrical battery. He is also credited with the discovery of methane.

electric motor

Jan 1, 1837

this was the first electric motor created

Water turbine

Jan 1, 1849

The first water turbine was created.

Thomas Edison

Jan 1, 1879

Thomas Edison created the first light bulb. Which completely changed cities now allowing people to be out at night.

Solar Power

Jan 1, 1890

Henry Becquerel observes the production of electricity directly from the sun while experimenting with an electrolytic cell. Used sun for energy.

Flashlight with On/Off switch

Jan 1, 1903

Conrad Hubert received patent the flashlight in 1903. it was revolutionary because he used an on/off switch.

Lasers

Jan 1, 1917

Albert Einstein est theoretic foundation for lasers was discovered.

the wind turbine

Mar 1, 1941

The world's first megawatt wind turbine is built and connected to the power grid in Castleton, Vermont. The turbine has 75-foot blades and weighs 240 tons.