Energy Events in the US

Coal begins to displace the use of other energies

1700

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

1748

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

1821

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

1888

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

1892

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

1921

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

1935

World's largest hydroelectric power plant until 1948. Located on the Colorado River in Arizona.

First commercial nuclear power plant begins operation

1957

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

1960

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

2003

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.