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Coal was introduced as an important source of mechanical power. It soon began to replace previous energy sources.
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By the 1700's, coal was beginning to replace the use of other energies. Thomas Newcomen developed the first practical steam engine. This was the first machine that provided a large amount of power not from muscle, water, or wind.
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English scientists discovered that when an electric current was applied to water, it created hydrogen and oxygen gases. This process is known as electrolysis, and was a big step in the development of hydrogen fuel cells.
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In New York, William Hart dug the first well that was specifically designed to procure natural gas. Before this, most natural gas came from coal. For this, Hart is often referred to as the father of natural gas in the USA.
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William Grove, a Welsh scientist, added more to the idea of electrolysis. Instead of using electricity and water to produce hydrogen and oxygen, he combined the gases and used them to produce water and electricity. Groves created the first fuel cell.
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Many people at this time were worried that fossil fuels may have been running out. A French scientist, Augustine Mouchot, developed a solar power system to drive industrial machinery. He developed a sun motor, which replaced burning coal with concentrated heat from the sun (with mirrors).
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In Ohio, Charles Brush developed the first windmill used to generate electricity. This windmill was quite efficient, and it hardly required any attention to keep in working condition.
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In California, they have many geysers and hot springs. John Grant drilled a geothermal well and used a generator to get electrity. This electricity was enough to run a small resort. However, the technology at that time was not very advanced, so geothermal energy was not very practical.
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After four years of construction, the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 on the Colorado River in Arizona. This dam was the world's largest hydroelectric power plant at the time.
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The Solar Energy Research Institute, based in Colorado, was launched by the US Department of Energy. This was the first federal facility completely dedicated to solar energy research. This Institute is now known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
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