A Chinese company has made a significant breakthrough in energy technology by developing a groundbreaking nuclear battery the size of a coin, which can last up to 50 years without the need for recharging or maintenance.
Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology has begun mass production of its BV100 battery, which operates on nickel-63, a radioactive isotope that decays into stable copper. This innovative battery uses diamond semiconductor layers to safely convert the radioactive decay into electricity.
Read More: China’s Nuclear Phone Batteries Eliminate The Need For Charging
The BV100 delivers 100 microwatts at 3 volts and can be combined in series or parallel to increase power output. While it is not yet suitable for high-energy devices like smartphones, Betavolt plans to launch a one-watt version later this year for use in applications such as drones, medical devices, and military technologies.
This development marks the first nuclear battery to incorporate China’s fourth-generation diamond semiconductor technology, offering more than 10 times the energy density of lithium batteries. The BV100 is capable of operating in extreme temperatures ranging from -60°C to 120°C.
Unlike older nuclear batteries developed during the Cold War, the BV100 does not require high internal temperatures, eliminating any risk of fire or explosion. Betavolt’s innovation has attracted global attention, and the company has secured patents in China, with international filings underway. Competing firms in the U.S., UK, and China are also racing to advance betavoltaic battery technology for compact, long-lasting energy solutions.
