A sterilization system for sterilizing an object comprising: a pair of electrodes in spaced relation to each other so as to define a sterilization zone there between； an electrical supply connected to the said electrodes and arranged to cause a high voltage discharge between said electrodes, and a control unit in communication with the electrical supply for controlling the rate of high voltage discharges, and the polarity of the electrical supply； wherein said electrodes each include an array of discharges sites for emanating and terminating the high voltage discharges.
