Chinese company unveils nuclear battery that it says can run for 50 years

Chinese technology company Betavolt has introduced a modular nuclear battery that uses a combination of a nickel-63 radioactive isotope and a fourth-generation diamond semiconductor. The battery’s developers claim it can power devices for up to 50 years and that they are currently the only ones in the world capable of producing this technology.

“This marks that China has achieved disruptive innovation in the two high-tech fields of atomic energy batteries and fourth-generation diamond semiconductors at the same time, putting it ‘far ahead’ of European and American scientific research institutions and enterprises,” Betavolt said in a statement.

The energy density of the company’s nuclear batteries surpasses current lithium-ion technology by 10 times, with a reduced risk of fires or explosions. They can also continue to operate in temperatures ranging from negative 76 degrees Fahrenheit to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

Eventually, when the battery’s life finally does come to an end, it decays into non-radioactive copper that poses a minimal environmental risk. Potential applications for this technology include mobile phones, drones, AI devices, medical equipment, robots and more.

“Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones and micro-robots,” the company said. “If policies permit, atomic energy batteries can allow a mobile phone to never be charged, and drones that can only fly for 15 minutes can fly continuously.”

The technology behind these batteries dates back to the 1950s when it was initially employed to power some of America’s first spacecraft missions. It continues to contribute to deep-space exploration today, even being considered for power supplies in a future Martian colony.

However, making nuclear batteries available for mass commercial use has been challenging due to high production costs and safety concerns associated with handling radioactive materials. Undeterred, Betavolt has initiated a pilot program with the eventual goal of mass production.

“This product combines nickel-63 nuclear isotope decay technology and China’s first diamond semiconductor module to successfully realize the miniaturization of atomic energy batteries, modularization and low cost, starting the process of civilian use,” Betavolt said. “They have entered the pilot stage and will be put into mass production on the market.”

Addressing safety concerns, Betavolt asserts its batteries can hold up against potential punctures leading to radiation leaks, even in extreme conditions such as being subjected to a gunshot. The company remains optimistic about the future, indicating that an even more powerful model could be developed as early as 2025.