-
Wood
In the 1700s, wood was first used as an energy source by being burned as fuel to heat rooms and generate power.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Animal Power
Also during this time, most energy was produced by animal power, such as horses being used for transportation and labor.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Coal
In the 1800s, coal took the place of wood because it kept rooms warm longer and took up less space.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Water Mills
Early in the Industrial Revolution years, most of the production was powered by water mills.
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=11951 -
Oil and Natural Gas
During the early-mid 1900s, oil and natural gas were the main energy source due to their cleanliness and easy transportation. They were also easy to store and handle, as well as cheaper than coal.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Nuclear Power
During the 1950s-1970s, nuclear power was on the rise and many nuclear power plants sprang up. The Chernobyl accident caused wariness with safety and safe disposal of waste.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Farmington Mine Disaster
Due to an explosion in a West Virginia mine, 78 miners were trapped inside and killed, left to burn to death because the mine had to be sealed to prevent further explosions.
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-10-Worst-Energy-Related-Disasters-In-History.html -
Chernobyl Disaster
Due to inexperienced workers and a mishap with a reactor, a steam explosion in Russia set fires and released 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the air.
http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/chernobyl-accident.aspx -
Renewable Energy
In 1995, wind power has grown at a fast pace, but the majority of renewable energy comes from the sun.
http://geology.com/articles/history-of-energy-use/ -
Fukushima
A massive tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which caused explosions and destroyed three of six reactors.
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-10-Worst-Energy-Related-Disasters-In-History.html
