5.8 Energy Timeline

First Patent for Gasoline-Powered Car

Jun 11, 1805

First US patent for gasoline-powered car issued to Springfield resident

First Fuel Cell

Feb 1, 1839

First fuel cell developed by Sir William Robert Grove

Edison Perfects Lightbulb

Dec 1, 1879

Thomas Edison "perfects" the incandescent lightbulb (up to 40 hours)

Wind Turbine Built

Jan 1, 1888

First wind turbine built by Ohio scientist Charles Brush

Geothermal Energy

Jul 4, 1904

Italian scientist tests first geothermal power generator

First US Gasoline Pipeline

Jan 1, 1918

First US gasoline pipeline begins operations

Nuclear Chain Reaction

Dec 2, 1942

First self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is demonstrated

IAEC established by UN

Jan 24, 1946

United Nations establishes International Atomic Energy Commission

Atomic Energy for Electricity

Sep 25, 1950

Scientists begin to use atomic energy to make electricity

Chernobyl

Apr 26, 1986

Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurs in modern-day Ukraine