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Coal Use for Energy in the United States
Commercial use of coal begins in Richmond, Virginia. -
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History of Energy in the United States
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Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution, the economy began to focus on machines and manufacturing instead of a labor-based economy. This required all new sources of energy, including coal and oil, to be used to run the factories and mills. -
First Modern Oil Refinery in the U.S.
Oil is now being used in more household items, such as lamps and it is becoming more common. -
Thomas Edison Introduces His Work With Electricty
Thomas Edison was one of the first to invent and patent the use of the electric light bulb, which lead him to many more electrical inventions. -
World's First Hydroelectric Station
The world's first hydropowered station produces power for a mill in Wisconsin. -
Demand for Ethanol
As World War I continues, the need for fuel drives up the demand for ethanol to 60 million gallons per year. -
Gasoline Becomes Dominant Fuel Choice
As industry and innovation increased, the need for fuel did, too. Gasoline becomes the most commonly used and easy to access fuel. -
First Nuclear Energy Weapons Dropped
At the end of World War II, the first nuclear energy weapons, the atomic bombs, were dropped on Japan. This would open a new world of energy. -
Geothermal Energy Breakthrough
Geothermal energy begins to become more popular and reaches a new electric generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts. -
Construction on Blythe Solar Power Project Begins
The Blythe Solar Power Project will use solar energy to power over 800,000 homes with 1,000 megawatts of electricity, a step towards cleaner energy.
