Nuclear Energy
In the 1950's the U.S. wanted to push for a more peaceful, commercial use for nuclear energy. The Atomic energy commission began by authorizing the construction of The Experimental Breeder Reactor I on December 20th, 1951. Nuclear power causes much less damage to the environment than other forms of power. It produced more electricity than natural gas in 1983.
Experimental Breeder Reactor I
The Experimental Breeder Reactor I, Source: Encyclopedia of Forlorn Places
Starting on December 20th, 1951, the Experimental Breeder Reactor I produced the first ever electricity from nuclear power. It was a milestone that gave birth to the nuclear power industry. Nuclear power would eventually account for 22 percent of the electricity produced in the U.S. by 1991.
The First Ever Commercial Electricity-Gaining Power Plant
Shippingport Atomic Power Station, 1956, Source: Brittanica
"All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk." - Ronald Reagan
In 1957, the first ever power plant used for commercial use reached full power. It used light-water reactors to cool the reactor core which was the best design available at the time. This power plant led more countries and private owners to use these power plants. By the end of 1991, 31 countries used nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
This video clip explains the significance of nuclear enery. Source: International Atomic Energy Agency
Ever since the invention of nuclear energy, the world has seen a great increase in use of it as shown in the charts above. This broken barrier of energy production can be traced back to the discovery of nuclear fissioning and The Manhattan Project.