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The first electric capacitator is developed by Georg Von Kleist as a means of storing energy.
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The modern-day steam engine, which uses coal to produce steam, is patented by James Watt.
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The first self-propelled vehicle is built by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot. This was a steam-powered military tractor that could run at a maximum of 2.5 miles per hour.
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The first natural gas well is dug by William Hart in Fredonia, New York.
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An ethanol-based engine is developed by Samuel Morey.
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Oil is accidentally discovered by "Colonel" Edwin Drake.
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Solar radiation is first converted to mechanical power by Auguste Mouchout.
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Wood is the primary fuel source for cooking and producing steam.
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Hydroelectricity begins to come into use.
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Aeroelectricity is first generated by Charles F. Brush.
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Energy production from garbage incineration begins in New York City.
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In Larderello of Tuscany, Italy, the first dry steam geothermal power plant is built.
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Wilhelm Hallwachs discovers photovoltaics when a copper and cuprous oxide combination is found to be light-sensitive.
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Enrico Fermi performs the world's first nuclear fission by irradiating uranium with neutrons.
