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Benjamin Franklin figures out lightning is electricity
Benjamin Franklin flew a kite into a storm. When the kite was struck by lightning he successfully collected a charge in a Leydon jar. By doing this experiment he proved lightning was electricity. -
Photovoltaic Effect is discovered
Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic effect at age nineteen, which explained how sunlight created an electric current. He devloped the actinograph, which recorded light intensity. -
U.S. Wind Engine Company Established
The Halladay Windmill is built by J. Burnham and Daniel Halladay for flat fields in the American West. This led to more complex windmills to be created, generating more power and interest. -
First Lightbulb Patent
Thomas Jefferson filed a patent for an "electrical lamp". Several months later, after the patent was granted, Jefferson and his team found out that a "carbonized bamboo filament could last over 1200 hours". In 1880 Jefforsons company began marketing and selling the original lightbulb. -
World's First Hydroelectric Dam began operating at U.S.
The first hydroelectric dam began operating on Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. The hydroelectric dam generated enough power to light the owner of the plants home, the plant itself, and a nearby building. Today dam's produce much, much more energy. http://www.mbgnet.net/fresh/rivers/dams.htm -
The Tesla Coil is Invented
Tesla developed a high-voltage, low-current, high frequency alternating current electricity. It was used in medical equipment and radio transmission. Nothing else at the time transmitted as much power at such a low current. https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/amex28t-soc-wireless/tesla-early-experiments-with-wireless-power-american-experience/#.WUvqVxgrJEY -
Nuclear Power Plant for Peace is Opened
First Nuclear Power Plant created for peaceful purposes: energy production. In 1953 President Eisenhower gave his 'Atoms for Peace' speech which called to create commercial nuclear power plants. The plant was the first one that came from Eisenhower's plan to harness nuclear energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8HIiam9m9c&t=5s -
Energy Reorganization Act
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created, which gave half or the nuclear power responsibility to the DOW and half to the NRC. It also created a safe space and protection for employees of the plant to voice concerns they had. https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116 -
National Offshore Wind Strategy Announced
Three offshore demonstration products, fueled by 168 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, are created. In 2015 the capacity of Wind Energy production reaches 74 gigawatts. -
The Clean Power Plan is established
A plan to limit the carbon emissions on a national level, however, it provides flexibility for states who don't want to meet the limitation goals. It was drafted under the Obama administration to combat global warming issues.
