The History of Energy

Windmills appear

Aug 10, 1300

The first horizontal windmills appear in Western Europe around 1300.

The term electricity is coined

Aug 1, 1600

The term electricity is termed by Englishman William Gilbert. Electricity comes from the word electron. Gilbert also coined the terms electric force, magnetic pole and electric attraction.

Ben Franklin's big experiment!

Sep 30, 1752

Benjamin Franklin ties a key to a kite during a thunderstorm to prove that static electricity and lightening were the same thing.

Solar energy is used!

Mar 3, 1860

Mathematics instructor, Auguste Mouchout, converts solar radiation directly into mechanical power.

Hydropower and DC electricity

Jan 4, 1880

Michigan's Grand Rapids Electric Ligh and Power Company generates DC electricity using hydropower at the Wolverine Chair Factory.

Hydropower becomes popular!

Oct 1, 1880

Hydropower was beginning to be used for electricity in the years 1880-1895.

Windmills and Electricity

Nov 19, 1888

Charles F. Brush uses the first large windmills to generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio.

First dry steam geothermal plant

Jun 27, 1904

The first dry steam geothermal power plant is built in Laderello in Tuscany, Italy.

Passive Solar buildings become popular!

Jun 5, 1947

Because energy was scarce during World War II, passive solar buildings become popular in the United States.

Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act

Jul 28, 1978

PURPA was enacted to promote greater use of renewable energy, cogeneration and small power projects.