The History of Renewable Energy: Where It All Began

I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard it before—renewable energy is the future. It’s something we can’t ignore, especially with climate change becoming a pressing issue. We’re not just talking about solar power here; we’re talking about all kinds of sustainable energy sources that won’t harm our planet. It’s hard not to notice how much we love discussing the future of renewable energy—where the tech is heading, how quickly we’ll get there, and what it all means for our planet. But have you ever stopped to think about the incredible journey that brought us to this point? It’s a story filled with bold inventors, groundbreaking discoveries, and some really smart entrepreneurs.

In this post, we’re diving headfirst into the origins of renewable energy. Let’s explore the full story of how humanity has made tremendous progress in the pursuit of cleaner, greener energy solutions.

200 BC – The Dawn of Hydropower

Renewable energy, defined as energy that can be replenished naturally, dates back over 2,000 years in Europe. While the concept was rudimentary compared to today’s advanced technologies, it laid the groundwork for the innovations we enjoy now. The key player here was the waterwheel, a precursor to modern hydropower systems.

Waterwheels transformed the kinetic energy of flowing water into either mechanical or electrical energy. By rotating a shaft connected to machinery, they powered everything from mills to irrigation systems. These early contraptions might seem simple now, but they were revolutionary at the time.

1590s – The Rise of Windmills

Moving forward to the 1590s, let’s focus on the Netherlands, where windmills were all the rage. These towering structures became iconic symbols of Dutch culture and industry. Although windmills had been around since 635 AD in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, the technology we see today was refined in the Netherlands.

Unlike modern wind turbines, these early windmills were used mainly for pumping water and grinding grain. They worked by capturing wind with their blades, which spun a rotor shaft to perform tasks. Despite their simplicity, windmills marked a significant step toward harnessing natural forces for human benefit.

1860 – Solar Power Gets Its Start

Fast forward to 1860, and we find ourselves in France. Here, French investor Augustin Mouchot developed the world’s first solar energy system. His invention was inspired by concerns over dwindling coal supplies—a prediction that turned out to be eerily accurate. Mouchot tested his “sun meter,” which used mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a boiler, creating steam to drive machinery.

In his own words, Mouchot remarked, “One must not believe, despite the silence of modern writings, that the idea of using solar heat for mechanical operations is recent. On the contrary, one must recognize that this idea is very ancient.” Indeed, the principles behind solar power have existed for generations; Mouchot simply perfected them.

1876 – Selenium Cells Revolutionize Solar Energy

Now picture this: it’s 1876 in London, and Professor William Grylls Adams of King’s College demonstrates how selenium cells can capture sunlight and produce electricity. It was a breakthrough moment in solar research. His discovery opened new doors for exploring the potential of solar energy.

Adams’ work played a crucial role in advancing the field of solar study. We owe him a toast for his contributions!

1887 – Wind Turbines Make Their Mark

By the late 19th century (1887), wind turbines began gaining traction in Europe. Just a year later, Charles F. Brush installed the first windmill to generate electricity on a farm in Cleveland, Ohio. By 1908, Denmark boasted 72 wind turbines producing power. By the 1930s, the United States saw widespread adoption of these turbines.

Throughout the 20th century, advancements in wind turbine technology accelerated alongside growing demand for clean energy. By 2016, there were approximately 341,320 operational wind turbines globally, supporting 1,555,000 jobs.

1905 – Einstein and the Photoelectric Effect

Albert Einstein didn’t just revolutionize physics with his theory of relativity—he also made waves in solar energy research. He clarified the “photoelectric effect,” explaining how certain materials emit electrons when exposed to light, releasing energy that can power buildings.

The photoelectric effect occurs when light strikes specific substances, causing electrons to be released. For this work, Einstein earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, Edmond Becquerel discovered the phenomenon back in 1839 while experimenting with electrolytic cells. Inventors can get pretty territorial about their discoveries!

1927 – Commercial Wind Turbines Take Off

In 1927, the first commercial wind turbines hit the market, selling for a hefty price tag at the time. This marked the first major leap for renewable energy on a large scale. People started paying attention to wind power as a viable solution.

1935 – Hoover Dam: A Monumental Achievement

The Hoover Dam, completed in 1935, stands as a testament to human ingenuity. Built to regulate water flow along the Colorado River and supply Southern California and Arizona with a reliable water source, it remains one of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the U.S.

Over 5,000 workers labored for five years to complete the project, which holds enough water to submerge Connecticut under ten feet of water. The dam is celebrated as a cornerstone of renewable energy, costing $165 million—a steal considering its impact.

1958 – Solar Energy Goes Spacebound

In 1958, the U.S. launched its first satellite powered by solar energy. Vanguard 1, launched on St. Patrick’s Day, left a lasting legacy comparable to the Apollo moon landing that followed eleven years later.

1978 – A Village Goes Solar

The Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona became the world’s first entirely solar-powered village. Since then, countless communities have followed suit, but this tribal settlement was the pioneer.

1996 – Solar Two Breakthrough

Based in Spain’s Mojave Desert and other locations across the U.S., the SOLAR Project comprises three solar power plants aimed at improving efficiency and storage methods. In 1996, Solar Two achieved a breakthrough by using a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate instead of oil or water to store energy. This method allowed energy to be stored for extended periods, even during cloudy weather, ensuring continuous operation for up to three hours after sunset—a monumental achievement for its time.

2013 – Ivanpah: The World’s Largest CSP Plant

2013 introduced Ivanpah: the world’s biggest concentrated solar power plant, located in California’s Mojave Desert. Its immense size reflects how far solar technology has progressed. Construction of Ivanpah was a landmark event not only for solar enthusiasts like us but for the entire renewable energy sector worldwide.

Covering 4,000 acres and costing $2.2 billion, Ivanpah is another example of how investing in sustainability pays off in the long run.

Modern Solar Solutions

Clearly, we’ve come a long way since those humble beginnings. And yet, innovation continues to shape every aspect of modern life. Without the relentless curiosity of past pioneers, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

We’re proud to be part of this movement, and we invite you to join us. If you’re interested in harnessing solar energy for your home or business, give us a call at 0800 112 3110 or fill out our contact form. We’d love to discuss your options with you.