A new study by researchers at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has quantified the global impact of electricity-generating storms. The study found that these storms, known as thunderstorms, generate more electricity than all of the world’s power plants combined.

The researchers used a combination of ground-based observations and satellite data to determine the amount of electricity produced by thunderstorms around the world. They found that thunderstorms are responsible for an estimated 10,000 terawatt-hours of electricity each year, which is more than double the output of all the world’s power plants. The energy from these storms is enough to cover the annual energy needs of millions of people.

This new research highlights the importance of thunderstorms in providing renewable energy to the world. It also has implications for how we can better utilize this natural resource in the future. As the demand for electricity continues to rise, harnessing the power of thunderstorms may become an increasingly important part of meeting our energy needs.

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source: Phys.org