Revolutionizing Power Forever: Nuclear Battery That Runs for 50 Years Without Charging

Gray Frame Corner

A Chinese start-up, Betavolt, claims to have developed a groundbreaking nuclear battery that can generate electricity for 50 years without requiring charging or maintenance.

This innovative technology involves a compact module smaller than a coin, housing 63 isotopes. Despite the term "nuclear," the battery is not of massive proportions.

According to The Independent, this development marks the world's first successful miniaturisation of atomic energy.

The company is currently testing the next-generation battery, with plans for mass production for various commercial applications, including phones and drones.

Betavolt envisions its atomic energy batteries meeting the power supply needs of aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots, positioning China at the forefront of the AI technological revolution.

The battery, measuring 15 x 15 x 5 millimetres, consists of wafer-thin layers of nuclear isotopes and diamond semiconductors.

Importantly, the company asserts that the radiation emitted poses no threat to the human body, making it suitable for use in medical devices like pacemakers.

The battery utilises technology that taps into the energy released from decaying isotopes, a concept explored since the 20th century, converting this energy into electricity.

As part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan from 2021-2025, efforts are underway to miniaturise nuclear batteries, with Betavolt's design featuring layers that prevent fire or explosions from sudden force.

The battery is also claimed to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.

Betavolt emphasises the environmental friendliness of atomic energy batteries, with the isotopes eventually turning into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper after the decay period.