Why outlets spark when unplugging - EMF & Inductors

Good video, but I have a question:
If we use a smaller Inductor and a lower voltage battery for avoiding the arc or spark when the switch is opened, since the inductor has been charged energy in form of magnetic field before, and now when the switch is open,  in this open loop circuit the energy stored in the inductor can't be released in spark, so for the law of conservation where the energy in the inductor has gone? In air? How about the voltage on the inductor?
Thank you.