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First use of Energy in the USA
Coal was the first use of energy in the US. It was shown on a map by someone named Louis Joliet. Link for picture: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/ Link for info http://1yd7z7koz052nb8r33cfxyw5-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/images/stories/education/Materials/Energy%20Curriculum/FINAL%20History%20of%20U.S.%20Energy.pdf -
Steam
The first ever working steam boat was created and tested in the US in 1807 by a man called Robert Fulton. It carried people between Albany, NY and NYC. This steam boat was revolutionary because it was the fasted passenger ship of its time that didn't require sails. It is all contributed to the creation of a new form of energy, steam. Picture Link: http://www.kiac-usa.com/clermont.html -
Oil!
Oil was discovered when a company drilled 70 ft down and found oil. It changed the way that people lived because they could have light longer. Before the use of this type of Oil, people used oils such as whale oil. Link for picture: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-10-24/why-theres-no-economically-sustainable-price-oil-anymore Link for info: goo.gl/t7wyQp -
Electricity
Electricity was first "mainstreamed" in 1882 when people were able to buy electricity to power their homes. Companies would show off houses that would have been fitted out with electric lights. This amazed people so much, that it caused a complete overhaul of people making their homes electric. Picture link: http://www.rexophone.com/?p=1175 -
Hydro power
The first commercial use of hydro power was in the Redlands Power plant in California. It helped power machines and lights that were run by electricity. Hydro power is an important part of the history of energy because it harnesses the power of water current. It was already used by the Romans and Greeks, but never to make electricity. Today, it is a good method of renewable energy. Source Link: goo.gl/GEFfYH Picture link: https://energy.gov/eere/water/history-hydropower -
Hoover Dam
The hoover dam is another great feat in the history of energy. It was the biggest hydro power plant in the world. Not only was it a huge energy feat, it was also a engineering marvel. Picture Link: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/ -
Solar Power
Solar energy was first discovered in 1839 when Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect which described how power can be harnessed from the sun. It wasn't until the 1950's that solar power was majorly used. NASA needed was to provide power in space for satellites and other missions. They decided to create solar panels to infinitely power things in space. Solar power is still used today and there are entire farms dedicated to it. links: goo.gl/fC69pW goo.gl/EVq4U9 -
Nuclear power
The first use of nuclear energy was first discovered and used to power a submarine in 1954. It was the first of its kind and proved to be very powerful. With this discovery, it led to the building of many power plants. There have been a couple disasters, but this form of energy is the most powerful. Source link: https://whatisnuclear.com/articles/nuclear_history.html Picture link: goo.gl/q4jpkv -
Wind
Wind turbines were first majorly used in the 70's and 80's. There were windmills prior to this, but gas prices were cheaper and gas was overall easier to use. It was used massively when the government started to look for better forms of energy. Wind turbines are a great source of renewable energy and are currently in use today. Info link:http://windenergyfoundation.org/about-wind-energy/history/ Picture link: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/mega-wind-turbine/ -
Biggest Solar farm in USA
In November 2014, the biggest solar farm in the USA was completed. It is called the Topaz Solar farm and it is located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It has exactly five million solar panels! This is such a great feat because it shows how powerful and great renewable energy is. Source and picture link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topaz_Solar_Farm
