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Coal begins to displace the use of other energies
Coal was used as a source of mechanical power. A shift in the population introduced the production of coal which helped developed a new civilization. Sources: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
First commercial coal production in US begins in Richmond, Virginia
Coal was founded by settlers on the James River- present day Richmond, Virginia. Coal production began in mines and was used during the Revolutionary war. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
First natural gas well in US is drilled
Dug in Fredonia, New York by William Hart. After noticing gas bubbles rising to the surface of a creek, Hart dug a 27 foot well to try to bring it to the surface. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
First windmill to generate electricity developed in Cleveland, Ohio
Developed by Charles F. Brush. The speed at full load was 500 revolutions per minute, and the normal capacity at full load was 12,000 watts. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
World's first geothermal district heating system built
Built in Boise, Idaho. Water was piped from hot springs to town buildings. Within a few years of its development, it served 200 homes and 40 downtown businesses. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
World's first geothermal power plant is built in California
John D. Grant drilled a geothermal well and ran a small direct-current generator which was used to provide electricity for lighting. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
Hoover Dam built
World's largest hydroelectric power plant until 1948. Located on the Colorado River in Arizona. -
First commercial nuclear power plant begins operation
Operation begins in Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Retired in 1982. First large-scale nuclear power plant in the world. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
First commercial scale geothermal electric plants in the US
Built in California. Today still is the largest producing geothermal field in the world. Source: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015 -
Plans announced to build FutureGen, the world's first zero emissions coal power plant
Cost-shared project between Department of Energy and industry to create the world's first coal-powered, zero emissions electricity and hydrogen production power plant.
