Based in Beijing, Betavolta has made a breakthrough in the nuclear energy field by announcing the creation of a brand new nuclear battery. According to the startup, this battery smaller than a coin integrates an isotope, nickel-63, which can produce electricity for 50 years without the need for recharging or maintenance. This technical achievement marks a significant advancement in the miniaturization of atomic energy.
The battery, currently in the pilot testing phase, aims for mass production for a wide range of commercial uses. Betavolt envisions applications in areas such as aerospace, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots. "This innovation will help China gain a competitive edge in the new cycle of the AI technological revolution," the company believes.
Betavolt’s nuclear battery operates by converting the energy released from the decay of isotopes into electricity, a method explored since the last century. Unlike previous costly and bulky versions used in space or remote scientific stations, Betavolt’s battery is compact and designed to be economical. In addition to its small size, the battery has several noteworthy advantages: its multilayer design makes it shock-resistant, and it poses no risk of fire or explosion. It operates in extreme conditions, from -60°C to 120°C, and assures that it emits no external radiation, making it suitable for medical devices implanted in the human body, like pacemakers.
