Nuclear 3V Battery With 50 Year Life Is Small as a Coin
A Chinese company, Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology, has developed the BV100, a breakthrough nuclear battery the size of a coin, capable of lasting up to 50 years without charging. Powered by the radioactive decay of nickel-63, the BV100 utilizes diamond semiconductor technology to convert energy efficiently. While its current power output is 100 microwatts at 3 volts, Betavolt plans to release a more powerful one-watt version for applications such as consumer electronics and drones.
The battery boasts an energy density over ten times greater than lithium batteries, operates in extreme temperatures, and poses minimal environmental risks as its radioactive core decays into stable copper. Unlike older nuclear batteries, which relied on thermoelectric generators, this betavoltaic technology is safer and more compact.
Betavolt’s success has sparked a global race for nuclear battery development, with competitors in the U.S. and Europe advancing similar technologies. The innovation has potential applications in aerospace, AI, medical devices, and micro-robots, marking a significant step toward practical, long-lasting nuclear energy solutions.