In my world (consider it an Earth analog for simplicity), power stations on the ground ionize columns of atmosphere using high-energy, electromagnetic beams. The plasma columns stretch all the way up into the upper stratosphere, connecting the power stations to the Earth's entire ionsophere. The power stations then apply an AC current to their ionized air columns, powering the ionosphere. With this sheath of energized plasma over the whole world, anyone can take something metal, connect it to a grounded resonant transformer, and power their electric devices.
My foremost question is: is this at all possible? (Note the reality-check tag.) If satisfied, then at what energies does it become unsafe for humans and life in general? The power stations themselves (you know, the ones projecting multi-kilometer tall columns of plasma) are likely dangerous to be in the vicinity of. I don't know how much energy it would take to maintain an effective plasma pathway like that, but it's likely astronomical. Because of that, assume that, when I say 'at what energies does it become unsafe', I mean situated in remote regions of the world, away from the power stations, and under the naked, charged ionosphere. By 'at what energies', know that I mean 'how much power can be pumped into the ionosphere before living things on Earth start dying as consequence'.
Disclaimer: Yes I know there are other options for power, geothermal, solar, wind, nuclear, coal, and so on; please don't suggest them to me. I am most certainly not under the impression that this is efficient or even practical. (Actually, I'm still ambivalent as to whether or not such a setup would even work, thus this question exists.) What I'm actually after is ambient, global, wireless energy for the reasons stated in the next paragraph, and if you have a better concept that satisfies those reasons then I'd love to hear it! :)
A little bit about my story, in case it's relevant: the civilization of my world needs to be inhibited. I don't want them producing integrated circuits or really small electrical devices. (When the air above you is ionized plasma, it's hard to make things not conduct the ambient electricity). However, I need big dumb machines like lightbulbs or large electric motors to work. I also need radio communications hindered, though not at all made impossible. Finally, the civilization of my world needs "unlimited energy" from the ambient environment, mostly anywhere in the world.
