Historical Energy Events

Static Electricity &. Lightening

Jun 1, 1752

Benjamin Franklin tested his theory and proved that static electricity and lightening are the same by tieing a key to a kite during a lightening storm.

Bioelectricity

Jan 1, 1791

Bioelectricity is discovered by Luigi Galvani. Bioelectricity is when nerve cells pass signals to muscles. When that happens, it's considered a form of electricity.

The Battery

Jan 1, 1800

Alessandro Volta created the first electric battery that consisted of two electrodes (one made of zinc and the other made of copper).

Electric Motor

Jan 1, 1837

Thomas Davenport invented the first electrical motor, a motor that is used in appliances still today.

Fuel Cell

Jan 1, 1839

Sir William Robert Grove created the first fuel cell, which produces electrical energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen.

Electric Telegraph

Jan 1, 1844

Samuel Morse developed a prototype of the telegraph, a machine that allowed people to send long distance messages.

Wireless Telephone

Jan 1, 1874

Alexander Graham Ball created the first photophone, the world's first wireless telephone.

Lightbulb

Oct 21, 1879

Thomas Edison invented the first incandescent light bulb. After years of improving, by 1880, his bulbs could be used for up to 1200 hours.

Wind Turbine

Jan 1, 1888

To generate electricity, Charles Brush builds the first wind turbine.

Geothermal Electric Power Plant

Jan 1, 1904

Piero Ginori Conti invented the first geothermal electric power plant.