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This paper is related to the study of the formation conditions and dynamics of self-sustained plasma-beam discharge at high energy density in the plasma of multiply ionized atoms. The efficiency of energy input into the discharge is shown by using a high-current pulsed plasma diode of low pressure. Based on the original calculation method, the dynamics of active voltage and active power inputted into the discharge are given. In such a system, the level of inputted active power can reach the value of 100 MW at the initial stored energy of 140 J. It is pointed out that the main mechanism of energy input into the discharge is a double electric layer of the space charge that is formed in the discharge gap. The intense electron beam accelerates in the double layer and heats the plasma to a high temperature in a short period of time. By controlling the arrangement of double-layer formation, one can input the energy locally into a certain discharge region. The distinctive features of the double-layer formation near the high-voltage electrode with a limited working surface for the even and odd half periods of the discharge current are indicated. The distribution of space potential in the discharge gap confirms that the double-layer formation is the result of not only the current instability but also the discharge transition to a new form of the self-sustained electric discharge in gas environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]