China’s tall claims? Tech firm says they have made a battery that can power devices for 50 years

In a groundbreaking development, a Chinese startup named Betavolt claims to have engineered a nuclear battery capable of generating electricity for an impressive 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance.

The cutting-edge technology, detailed in a report by The Independent, represents a significant leap in atomic energy miniaturization.

Betavolt’s nuclear battery, currently undergoing testing for commercial applications such as phones and drones, is designed to cater to various scenarios, including aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots, according to the company’s press release.

Despite the term “nuclear,” the diminutive battery measures a mere 15X15X5 millimetres, composed of wafer-thin layers of nuclear isotopes and diamond semiconductors. The company has successfully incorporated 63 isotopes into a module smaller than a coin, demonstrating a pioneering achievement in atomic energy miniaturization.

Betavolt emphasizes the safety of its nuclear battery, assuring that the radiation it emits poses no harm to the human body, making it suitable for applications like medical devices, including pacemakers.

The battery’s current power output is 100 microwatts at 3 volts, with a goal to reach 1-watt power output by 2025. Utilizing energy from decaying isotopes, a concept explored in the 20th century, the technology converts this energy into electricity. China has been actively pursuing the miniaturization of nuclear batteries under its 14th Five-Year Plan from 2021-2025.

The battery’s layered design not only prevents fire or explosions due to sudden force but also allows it to operate in a wide temperature range, from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.

Betavolt highlights the environmental friendliness of its atomic energy batteries, explaining that after the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no threat or pollution to the environment.

Mass production of the nuclear battery is anticipated to commence after the completion of testing and obtaining all necessary clearances. Betavolt believes that this innovation will position China at the forefront of the AI technological revolution.

(With inputs from agencies)