Briefly list and explain five of the broad trends and features that have characterized the energy transition in the world during the past 300 years. What major shifts in fuels and prime movers were most salient in the 1800s? In the 1900s?

1. Replacement of traditional biomass fuels: During the past 300 years, traditional biomass fuels such as wood, animal dung, and crop residues have been gradually replaced by fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. 2. Increase in energy use for industry and transportation: In the 1800s, energy was mainly used for subsistence purposes such as heating and cooking. Over the past 300 years energy use has increased rapidly, primarily for industry and transportation. 3. Scale of energy consumption increases: As the population and economy have grown, the scale of energy consumption has increased considerably over the past 300 years. 4. Development of new technologies and infrastructure: As new technologies and infrastructure have developed, energy efficiency has improved and the range of energy sources available has increased. 5. Emergence of renewable energy sources: Over the past 300 years, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro have emerged as viable energy sources. In the 1800s, the most salient shifts in fuels and prime movers were from traditional biomass fuels such as wood and animal dung to coal, and the transition from muscle power and water power to the steam engine. In the 1900s, the most salient shifts were from coal to petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear power, and the transition from the steam engine to internal combustion engines and electric motors for transportation.