10 Key Historical Energy Events By kolben12 Jan 1, 1698 First Steam Engine 1785 First Use of Natural Gas for Energy Jan 1, 1800 First Battery May 1, 1834 First Electric Motor Aug 2, 1859 First Oil Well Oct 14, 1878 First Light Bulb Jan 1, 1885 First Motor Car Jul 4, 1904 First Geothermal Power Plant Jan 1, 1941 First Solar Panel Jun 26, 1954 First Nuclear Power Plant