Coin-sized nuclear 3V battery with 50-year lifespan enters mass production
Something to look forward to: A Chinese battery manufacturer has developed a breakthrough, sparking a worldwide race for compact nuclear energy. The innovation is a small coin-sized battery powered by a radioactive nickel isotope that decays into stable copper. While the initial cell is relatively weak, it can easily be layered to provide more power for up to 50 years.
Energy storage technology has reached a transformative milestone as the BV100, a miniature atomic energy battery, enters mass production. Popular Mechanics notes that the coin-sized cell from Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology can provide juice lasting up to 50 years without charging or maintenance.
The tech represents a significant leap toward practical and scalable nuclear power solutions. The innovation positions Betavolt as a global leader in the race to commercialize nuclear batteries, a field in which companies from China, the U.S., and Europe fiercely compete. Betavolt's success has already garnered recognition within China's scientific community. The company won third prize at the China National Nuclear Corporation's 2023 Innovation Competition and has registered patents domestically while preparing global filings under the PCT framework.