Humans have been harnessing the power of different energy sources for thousands of years.
The Sun (always on): Our ultimate energy source, providing warmth and light for life on Earth. We couldn't use it directly for millennia, but it indirectly powered everything.
Fire (1 million years ago): A lightning strike ignited, giving us heat, light, cooking, and early toolmaking. A game-changer for early humans.
Wind (8,000 years ago): Sails on boats caught the wind, taking us across oceans. Later, windmills were used to ground grain, tapping into wind's power on land.
Wood (until 1850): Wood warmed homes, cooked food, and powered early steam engines in trains. A reliable, but limited, source.
Water (ancient times): Waterwheels used rivers' flow to grind grain and power other machinery. A clean and renewable option, but limited by river locations.
Coal (18th century): This fossil fuel became king, powering factories, trains, and cities during the Industrial Revolution. Powerful, but it gives off emissions when it burns and it is non-renewable.
Natural Gas (500 BC): In China, bamboo pipes channeled natural gas from the ground to boil seawater for salt. Early evidence of human resourcefulness, even with limited technology.
Hypocaust (ancient Rome): Underfloor furnaces heated Roman villas, a clever system with hidden dangers like fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Paved the way for future heating innovations.
Today and Beyond: We're exploring diverse energy sources, like solar farms, wind farms and geothermal. The goal: clean, sustainable power for a brighter future.
