Power for the haul. Cleaner for the long haul.
Every path forward is built upon the discoveries of the past. Fire. Biomass. Wind. Coal. Petroleum and oil. Nuclear energy. Each of these discoveries intrinsically shapes how we innovate technologies today for a greener future.
1.7 to 2 million years ago FIRE
Homo sapiens discovered fire. Not only did fire provide warmth and light and protection from predators but it also enabled hunting and cooking for homo sapiens as well as igniting intellectual development and population growth.
1.5 million years ago BIOMASS
Biomass energy was first discovered by early humans or homo sapiens. While biomass is a renewable, cleaner alternative to fossil fuel, it has contributed little to human progress due to its inefficiency and high costs of extraction.
1.5 million years ago BIOMASS
Biomass energy was first discovered by early humans or homo sapiens. While biomass is a renewable, cleaner alternative to fossil fuel, it has contributed little to human progress due to its inefficiency and high costs of extraction.
12,000 years ago MUSCULAR SOURCES (animal + human labor）
The people of the Zagros Mountain began using humans and animals as a form of abundant, consistent energy. This kickstarted the Neolithic Revolution, in which humans started building permanent settlements, such as villages, towns and eventually cities.
3,000 years ago COAL
The Chinese are credited with having discovered coal. This abundant, inexpensive, efficient, reliable and adaptable energy source later came to jump-start the industrial revolution.
3,000 years ago COAL
The Chinese are credited with having discovered coal. This abundant, inexpensive, efficient, reliable and adaptable energy source later came to jump-start the industrial revolution.
16th century WIND
Faust Veranzio described a way to turn wind into energy through the use of a wind turbine. Wind energy is renewable, sustainable and cost effective, but space requirements, instability and the lack of wind in certain regions has limited its adaptability.
1839 HYDROGEN FUEL CELL
Hydrogen fuel cell energy was first discovered by William Robert Grove. As a highly efficient, mobile, and cleaner energy alternative to lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising source of energy for a greener future.
1839 HYDROGEN FUEL CELL
Hydrogen fuel cell energy was first discovered by William Robert Grove. As a highly efficient, mobile, and cleaner energy alternative to lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising source of energy for a greener future.
1882 HYDROELECTRIC
James Francis invented hydroelectricity, a renewable, reliable and sustainable source of energy that also helps with flood control. In total, it accounts for 7% of total electricity generation.
1895 PETROLEUM + OIL
Edwin Drake’s company found a way to drill for petroleum and oil, and they have since become the largest major energy source for US total energy consumption as they are the main energy source for basic necessities such as heat, electricity and infrastructure.
1895 PETROLEUM + OIL
Edwin Drake’s company found a way to drill for petroleum and oil, and they have since become the largest major energy source for US total energy consumption as they are the main energy source for basic necessities such as heat, electricity and infrastructure.
1930 NUCLEAR
Enrico Fermi created the first nuclear reactor. Today, it offers a cleaner alternative to other energy sources, helps reduce carbon footprints and provides 52% of the United States' carbon-free electricity.
1991 LITHIUM
Stanley Whittingham created the first lithium-ion battery, which accelerated the development of both the cell phone and the internet.
1991 LITHIUM
Stanley Whittingham created the first lithium-ion battery, which accelerated the development of both the cell phone and the internet.
2018 HYDROGEN POWERED VEHICLES
Companies all over the world are working to create a zero emissions future by creating hydrogen-powered vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell technology, which emits only water vapor, is quickly becoming the go-to energy source thanks to its abundance, reliability and clean emissions capabilities.