1 megawatt-hour
3.6 GJEnergy · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Energy
Just how much energy is 1 megawatt-hour?
Fuel & batteries
1 MWh
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
1 megawatt-hour
The quantity is exact as entered.
3.6 GJEnergy
0
Lightning energy model
A lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
1 GJEnergy
0
Bar length represents energy. Equal energy does not imply the same temperature, power or usefulness.
A little perspective
1 megawatt-hour is about 3.6 times the energy of a lightning energy model.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
1 megawatt-hour
Energy: 3.6 GJ; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Lightning energy model
Energy: 1 GJ; defined energy model.
A deliberately rough 1 GJ discharge model. Real flashes vary by orders of magnitude.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 1 megawatt-hour with the energy of a lightning energy model. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Lightning energy model
1 GJEnergy · defined energy model
A deliberately rough 1 GJ discharge model. Real flashes vary by orders of magnitude.
- Comparing
- Energy ↔ Energy
- Relative size
- 1 megawatt-hour is about 3.6 times the energy of a lightning energy model. 1 megawatt-hour is approximately 260% greater than the energy of a lightning energy model.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- The energy of a lightning energy model: This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
Energy is an amount; power describes the rate of energy transfer or use.
3.6 × 10⁹ Jjoules
1,000 kWhkilowatt-hours
860,420 kcalkilocalories
Change your perspective
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A little smaller. A little larger.