Introducing the World's First Nuclear Battery, Smaller Than a Coin and Lasting for 100 Years

In a leap that could change the future of energy storage forever, China has unveiled a nuclear battery smaller than a coin—capable of operating for decades without a single recharge.

China has unveiled a nuclear battery smaller than a coin and capable of operating for 50 to 100 years without a single recharge, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the future of energy storage.

This tiny powerhouse, developed by Beijing-based firm Betavolt, and a second, more ambitious project led by Northwest Normal University, promise a new era where power doesn’t just last for days or months — but for half a century.

In an age defined by rapidly draining smartphone batteries and the constant search for a usable solar panel angle, the prospect of devices that outlive their power sources seems almost unbelievable. Yet, this is the domain of nuclear batteries, which are slowly emerging from the realm of science fiction.

Unlike the lithium-ion cells that have powered our devices for the last two decades, nuclear batteries, powered by radioactive isotopes, offer unmatched longevity and are immune to charge cycles, temperature sensitivity, and the need for replacement.

This technology, which has been theorized since the 1950s, is now being realized in new prototypes unveiled in China, pushing the boundaries of energy to new frontiers.

Here’s a closer look at how these batteries work, what makes them safe, and why this innovation is far more disruptive than its size suggests.

What Is a Nuclear Battery?

Also known as betavoltaic batteries, nuclear batteries generate electricity by converting energy from radioactive decay — specifically beta decay — into electrical current.

Unlike nuclear reactors, they don’t involve chain reactions, heat, or moving parts. Instead, they rely on isotopes like Nickel-63 or Carbon-14 that slowly release electrons over decades.

Those electrons are captured by semiconductor materials, creating a steady flow of current — tiny in wattage, but immense in lifespan.

The technology has existed in theory since the 1950s, but China’s new prototypes are the first to shrink it to a size smaller than a button cell while using safe, modern materials.

The BV100 by Betavolt: A 50-Year Power Source

The first breakthrough comes from Betavolt, which has recently unveiled the BV100, a prototype nuclear battery powered by Nickel-63. This isotope emits beta particles with very low energy, making it far safer than gamma or alpha-emitting sources used in larger radioactive systems.

Key specifications of the BV100:

The 100 μW output is ideal for low-power systems that need constant, reliable energy — remote sensors, drones, pacemakers, space probes, and more.

For instance, a sensor network deployed in a national park could monitor wildlife, temperature, and pollution autonomously for decades, providing valuable ecological data.

The BV100 is still in the prototype stage, but Betavolt plans to begin mass production of a 1-milliwatt version of the battery soon. This smaller model, about the size of a coin, will be suitable for microelectronic devices like watches, sensors, and possibly wearable health monitors.

Carbon-14 Nuclear Battery: The 100-Year Concept

While Betavolt’s design is already in prototype form, scientists at Northwest Normal University in Gansu are working on something even more astonishing — a Carbon-14-based nuclear battery designed to last 100 years.

Carbon-14 emits low-energy beta particles and has a half-life of over 5,000 years. The university’s researchers plan to embed it into artificial diamond structures, creating a battery that could last for a century with zero maintenance.

The battery is still in the lab, but early models show incredible potential for:

Safety First: Why Nuclear Doesn’t Mean Dangerous

The idea of carrying a “nuclear battery” might sound alarming, but these devices are incredibly safe.

In fact, these batteries could be safer than lithium-ion, which can catch fire or degrade chemically under stress.

Why the World Needs Ultra-Long-Life Batteries

While nuclear batteries won’t be replacing your laptop battery anytime soon, they offer unmatched value in mission-critical environments where replacing or recharging is impossible or dangerous.

Key use cases include:

1. Medical Devices

Pacemakers and implants currently rely on lithium batteries that need surgical replacement every 5–10 years. A 50–100 year battery would eliminate the need for repeat surgeries and lower healthcare costs drastically.

2. Space Exploration

Probes like Voyager or the Mars Rovers need constant, long-term energy in environments where solar isn’t viable. Nuclear batteries offer decade-spanning, uninterrupted power.

3. Defense & Surveillance

In remote or hostile areas, sensors, drones, and trackers powered by nuclear batteries could operate autonomously for decades, offering strategic military advantages.

4. IoT Devices

In smart cities and industrial automation, where devices are deployed in hard-to-reach locations, this tech offers reliability and longevity with no need for battery swaps or