Why do we not harness lightning for power?

The problem is that the energy in lightning is contained in a very short period of time, only a few microseconds. Further, to obtain that 1 million joules, one would have to handle a voltage of several million volts.

Is it possible to harness energy from lightning?

Additionally, lightning is sporadic, and therefore energy would have to be collected and stored; it is difficult to convert high-voltage electrical power to the lower-voltage power that can be stored. In the summer of 2007, an alternative energy company called Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc.

Is it possible for a human to control lightning?

Lightning is also unpredictable. While humans have been placing lightning rods for centuries to increase the probability of striking in a certain fixed point, its path can not be controlled. Lightning is also unpredictable.

Can lightning be harnessed to generate energy?

Lightning occurs because of the difference in electrical potential of the sky (clouds) and the ground. This potential builds up to the point that it can ionize the air and create a path to equalize that difference. Trying to harness that power at that moment would be equivalent to trying to harness atomic energy at the moment a bomb explodes.

What causes lightning to strike?

Lightning occurs because of the difference in electrical potential of the sky (clouds) and the ground. This potential builds up to the point that it can ionize the air and create a path to equalize that difference.

Why don’t we see lightning more often?

Here are some of the problematic details: Most places receive lightning very infrequently, but have a steady demand for electrical energy. Lightning has a high voltage but not a huge amount of current. Much of the energy of the lightning discharge goes into heating up the air and making the glow.

Could we power our homes with lightning bolts?

“The typical house in the U.S. has 100 amp service or about 28 horsepower,” says Kirtley. Unfortunately, relying on lightning bolts to power our hair dryers, TVs, and refrigerators would be far from cost effective. The problem is that the energy in lightning is contained in a very short period of time, only a few microseconds.