Alternative energy By ojas ganu 200 BCE Europeans harness water power 1860 The first solar power system is made in France 1876 first demonstration of solar system 1882 First hydroelectric plant goes into operation in wisconisn 1888 First windmill that harnesses the wind is made in Cleveland 1935 The hoover dam the biggest hydroelectric plant is made 1951 The first nuclear power plant is made 2012 US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Approves New Nuclear Power Plants for First Time Since 1978