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2000 BCE
Coal first used as energy source
The Chinese first discovered that coal could be used as a source of energy. It was largely used by poor people looking to heat their homes when wood shortages began in urban-like developments. -
Ethanol becomes major source of (lamp) fuel in US
A discovery of a specific blend of ethyl alcohol, turpentine, and camphor oil overtook the whale oil industry as the main source of lamp fuel in the US. -
First solar power system developed
A Frenchman, Augustine Mouchot, developed a solar-powered steam generator for use on industrial machinery. He felt that solar power would and should one day replace coal as the primary source of energy in France's industrial sector. -
Standard Oil Company of Ohio is formed
John D. Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Company in his efforts to control the petroleum industry, which led to his success in the steel and railroad industries as well. His efforts allowed him to push petroleum to become the primary source of energy for the US as well as for other leading world powers. -
First electric plant is built
Thomas Edison flipped the switch on the world's first power plant at 3pm. His plant served many infulential clients in New York City, and it paved the way for the creation of city-wide electrical grids. -
Discovery of the Spindletop Oil Field
In Texas, oil erupted from the ground and created a 150-meter high spout known as "Lucas Gusher". This discovery was the spark that the modern oil industry needed to get on its feet. -
Hoover Dam is built
Hoover Dam was the world's largest hydroelectric power plant. Until 1948, the Dam was the world's largest producer of hydroelectricity. -
First controlled nuclear chain reaction
The Manhattan Project, relocated to Chicago, is able to produce the first ever controlled nuclear chain reaction, drastically advancing the development of the atomic bomb used three years later in the ongoing World War II. This is a huge step in the understanding of nuclear power. -
Solar cells used in the first US satellite orbit
Dr. Hans Ziegler went head-to-head with the US Navy, insisting that the only way to keep a satellite in orbit for more than a few days was to use solar cells rather than commercial batteries, though they were considered dangerous at the time. He eventually won his argument, and was proven correct when the satellite remained in contact with the US for years after its launch. This achievement prompted scientist to rethink the commercialization of and uses for solar cells. -
Department of Energy Organization Act signed
This Act, signed into law under President Jimmy Carter, created the US Department of Energy.