The electricity was first discovered in the underwater. Egyptians saw an electric catfish in 2750 BCE and noticed how the fish would release shockwaves whenever someone touched it with an iron stick. The fish was famously referred as ‘Thunderer of Nile’.

Static electricity was recorded in the history in 6BCE when Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus observed that two ambers produce an energy that attracted feathers when rubbed together which was later known as static electricity.

The electricity that we see in the form of light, electric powdered machines or appliances that run on the electricity and make our lives easier, i.e. current electricity (direct current-it was used to supply energy at first) did not appear until electric battery was invented by Alessandro Volta. But the idea of using electricity as a power source was credited to Bejamin Franklin when he experimented with a kite, by tying a metal key to the string and the lighting from the sky gave a shock.

The journey continued and then came the famous war of currents which decided the type of electricity we should use. Thomas Edison invented the early version of electric bulb and electric power system which he used to light up his own residence. He used low-voltage direct current (DC) in a large scale to run the electric system.

Just few years later, alternating current (AC) was also discovered with the help of Nikola Tesla (yes, this is from where ‘TESLA’ got its name) under the George Westinghouse which is used to power our electric appliance. The invention of two electric system led to friction between the company’s managing AC and DC but at last alternating current was used as a source for primary electrical system when Westinghouse won the bid for World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Fun Fact: Baghdad Battery was discovered in 1938 in present-day Iran. It is estimated to be made in Parthian period (c. 250 BCE–224 CE) and create 0.8–1.1 volts. The battery is made of clay with copper cylinder and a iron rod inside, and reacts with acidic liquid like vinegar, fermented grape juice, etc.

DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION

The first electric generator was built by British Scientist Michael Faraday in 1831 and was called Faraday Disk. It had a copper disc that rotated in between the horseshoe magnet which generated a small current, it was a homopolar generator.

The electricity appeared in the towns and cities first in the form of arc lights that illuminated the streets and then appeared in inside the houses. In the beginning the most of the light were supplied though direct current electrical system but slowly it was replaced by alternating current as the AC popularity grew because of its high load.

Many businesses began emerging in the electrical supplying sector and the electrical distribution network expanded. In 1881, street of Survey in Godalming, England became the first city to get full electrical supply. By early 20^th century, electricity was mostly used for industrial purpose and it was only by mid-20^th century that houses began having electricity. And in 1924, 50% of the houses in United States had electricity.

Fun Fact: The electric appliance that had been with us the longest is electric toaster and its earliest model was invented in 1893

ELECTRICTY IN FUTURE

Coal-powdered generators were used in the beginning of energy production stages but it created huge amount of pollution. It was followed by the invention of turbine in 1896 which changed the game. Steam turbines were built in 1930s and ranged up to 300-MW capacity. Steam turbines heat the water and use the steam to run the turbine.

Gas turbine energy is the one of the most common sources of energy in the world and is accountable for a significant portion of power generation with the demand is still growing.  

Then the technology innovation began and the environmental consciousness led towards more environmental-friendly source of power-generation: Solar Panels.

Solar Panels are become increasingly common with many countries working towards environmentally friendly policies by making solar panels cheaper and easier to access for masses. People are experiencing effects of global warming at alarming rate which had pushed power sector towards renewable sources and the people are also becoming aware of climate change.

On the other hand, use of hydroelectricity (using water to generate electricity) had also became another renewable source for the power generation. Nuclear Power Plants had also emerged that harness the electricity through nuclear fission reaction.

Citation

Saunders, T. (July 2023). Who discovered electricity? Probably not who you’re thinking. Science Focus BBC.

Hanlon, M. (November 2005). The first electrical appliance turns 100 years old. New Atlas.

(August 2024). How the history of electrification in the United States can help The World Bank’s ambitious plan to electrify Africa. Christensen Institute.

(October 2022). History of Power: The Evolution of the Electric Generation Industry. Power.

(December 2024). Ancient Egyptian Electricity: Exploring the Theories of Forgotten Power. Egypt Tours Portal.