WorldAsia-OceaniaChinese startup unveils a new nuclear battery technology

Chinese startup unveils a new nuclear battery technology

Type of event:
New technology presentation, Nuclear Policies

Victims

Wounded

Date

January 23, 2024

What happened

Beijing-based startup Betavolt has unveiled a groundbreaking nuclear battery that claims to generate electricity for 50 years without charging or maintenance. The battery, powered by 63 nuclear isotopes, is the first to achieve miniaturization of atomic energy, fitting into a module smaller than a coin.

The structure includes a thin single-crystal diamond semiconductor and a nickel-63 sheet, converting decay energy into electrical current. The first battery measures 15x15x5 cubic millimeters, delivering 100 microwatts of power at 3V. Betavolt’s next-generation nuclear battery is in pilot testing, with plans for mass production. The company aims for widespread commercial applications, potentially transforming industries and providing China a leading edge in the AI revolution.

Where it happened

Main sources