Renewables Contributed 19 Percent To Ou
Renewables contributed 19 percent to our energy consumption and 22 percent to our electricity generation in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Both, modern renewables, such as hydro, wind, solar and biofuels, as well as traditional biomass, contributed in about equal parts to the global energy supply. Worldwide investments in renewable technologies amounted to more than US$ 214 billion in 2013, with countries like China and the United States heavily investing in wind, hydro, solar and biofuels.
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources.
250 - 400 A.D.
The first water-powered mill in France was built by the Romans.
600 A.D.
Arab and Persian chemists use petroleum to make "Greek fire," a burning liquid later utilized to a great degree by the Byzantine Empire.
Between 500 and 900 AD
The Persians first built windmills for pumping water and grinding grain.
Late 1500s
The United States becomes firmly entrenched in importing coal for use, consuming nearly 108,000 tons until the 1800's.
1700s
Ben Franklin made important discoveries into the nature of electricity by flying a kite.
1800-1826
First electric utility in the United States.
Mid-1800s to around 1950
Wood is a primary resource for fuel, though it's use for functions outside of heating decreased in the 20th century with the shift back to coal.
1870-1880
First combustion engine is created using gas and alcohol. Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station opened shortly thereafter, the first U.S. power plant to produce electricity.
1888
First wind turbine is used to generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio.
Early 1900s
The Italians began using geothermal energy to produce electricity commercially.
1938
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources.
250 - 400 A.D.
The first water-powered mill in France was built by the Romans.
600 A.D.
Arab and Persian chemists use petroleum to make "Greek fire," a burning liquid later utilized to a great degree by the Byzantine Empire.
Between 500 and 900 AD
The Persians first built windmills for pumping water and grinding grain.
Late 1500s
The United States becomes firmly entrenched in importing coal for use, consuming nearly 108,000 tons until the 1800's.
1700s
Ben Franklin made important discoveries into the nature of electricity by flying a kite.
1800-1826
First electric utility in the United States.
Mid-1800s to around 1950
Wood is a primary resource for fuel, though it's use for functions outside of heating decreased in the 20th century with the shift back to coal.
1870-1880
First combustion engine is created using gas and alcohol. Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station opened shortly thereafter, the first U.S. power plant to produce electricity.
1888
First wind turbine is used to generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio.
Early 1900s
The Italians began using geothermal energy to produce electricity commercially.
1938