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The Discovery of the Photovoltaic Effect
Henry Becquerel, the noted French scientist, essentially invents solar power when he discovered the “Photovoltaic Effect,” which produces electricity from the sun. This is significant because it's the first step toward the construction of solar panels. -
World's First Commercial-Scale Hydroelectric Plant
The world’s first commercial-scale hydroelectric power plant was opened in Appleton, Wisconsin. Initially it only powered three buildings,two paper mills, and one home, but by the following year, the Waverly House hotel was also powered, becoming the first hotel in the region to use electric light. -
First Windmill to Generate Electricity
In Cleveland, Ohio the first windmill to generate electricity is built by Charles F. Brush. The mill had a capacity at full load of 12,000 watts. This is the first step towards creating other wind powered energy sources such as the wind turbine. -
First Nuclear Power Reactor to Generate Electricity
A nuclear power reactor produces useable electricity for the first time in Idaho. At first it was barely enough to power a few 100-watt bulbs. This allows us to broaden our use of energy sources. -
The Silicon Photovoltaic Cell is Develped
The silicon photovoltaic cell for harnessing solar power is developed by Joseph Linmayer and solar power is officially born. This is significant because this is the beginning of the use of an clean, renewable source of energy. -
World's First Wind Farm is Built
In New Hampshire the world’s first wind farm is built. It consists of 20 wind turbines, each rated at 30 kilowatts. The farm was a failure as the turbines kept breaking. Despite this, wind turbine installation continued throughout the country and also increased in Northern Europe leading to a more eco-friendly region. -
First Large Scale Solar-Thermal Power Plant Begins Operating
Solar One, the first large scale solar-thermal power plant is opened in Daggett, California which influenced the increase in solar power use largely. It used a total of 1818 mirrors to track the sun and reflect its energy into a large central tower. It ran successfully until 1986. -
The Hydrogen Future Act Is Passed
The Hydrogen Future Act is passed, leading to expanded research into hydrogen power. The long-term vision for hydrogen energy is that sometime well into the 21st century, hydrogen will join electricity as one of North America’s primary energy carriers, and hydrogen will ultimately be produced from renewable sources which would bring us one step closer to a cleaner, more ecofriendly Earth -
The Wolrd's First Zero Emission Coal Power Plant is Announced
FutureGen, the world’s first zero emission coal power plant is announced which means less air pollution. -
First Ever Rules To Reduce Carbon Emission
The Environmental Protection Agency proposes the first ever rules to reduce carbon emissions which leads us in the right direction of limiting air pollution and less contributions to global warming.
