China Advances Nuclear Battery Technology with Long-Term Power Solutions

Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Company Ltd has introduced the BV100, a nuclear battery that utilizes nickel-63 to generate power through decay, promising a 50-year lifespan without maintenance. The battery, measuring 15×15×5 mm, outputs 100 microwatts and operates safely across a wide temperature range.

In parallel, California's Infinity Power, supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, is working on a similar battery expected to deliver tens of milliwatts for over a century. This indicates a competitive landscape in nuclear battery technology, particularly as China is expanding its nuclear capacity rapidly.

However, commercial availability of higher-output models remains uncertain, with Betavolt planning a one-watt battery by 2025. Until then, applications will focus on sectors like aerospace and medical equipment, where battery replacement is challenging.