Chinese Company Unveils New Nuclear Battery Providing Half A Century of Uninterrupted Power

By Canaan Arinda

In a groundbreaking announcement, Beijing-based startup Betavolt has introduced a new cutting-edge nuclear battery, claiming that it is able to generate electricity continuously for an impressive 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance.

According to the company, this development positions China at the forefront of the AI technological revolution.

Betavolt’s nuclear battery achieves an unprecedented level of miniaturization by integrating 63 nuclear isotopes into a module smaller than a coin.

The firm reports that this next-gen battery has already entered the pilot testing phase and is slated for mass production, targeting commercial applications such as phones, drones, aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots.

“This new energy innovation will help China gain a leading edge in the new round of the AI technological revolution,” Betavolt stated in a press release.

Apparently, the technological journey traces back to the 20th century, where scientists in the Soviet Union and the United States explored the concept of converting energy released by decaying isotopes into electricity.

While initially developed for spacecraft and remote scientific stations, these early thermonuclear batteries were both costly and bulky.

Under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, designed to boost the country’s economy between 2021 and 2025, the quest to miniaturize and commercialize nuclear batteries gained momentum. Similar efforts are also underway in research institutions in the US and Europe.

Betavolt’s initial nuclear battery delivers 100 microwatts of power and a voltage of 3V, all within a compact 15x15x5 cubic millimeters.

The company envisions scaling up production to introduce a 1-watt battery by 2025. This compact size opens up possibilities, such as perpetual power for mobile phones and drones with indefinite flight capabilities.

“The atomic energy battery developed by Betavolt is absolutely safe, has no external radiation, and is suitable for use in medical devices,” the company emphasized in its press release.

In addition to its safety features, Betavolt highlights the environmental friendliness of its nuclear battery. After the decay period, the 63 isotopes turn into a stable isotope of copper, which is non-radioactive and poses no threat or pollution to the environment.

This groundbreaking technology represents a significant stride towards sustainable, long-lasting energy solutions, potentially reshaping industries globally. Betavolt’s nuclear battery sets the stage for a new era of innovation and efficiency.