China Develops a Nuclear Battery the Size of a Coin That Can Last 100 Years

Imagine a battery no larger than a coin that could power devices for half a century—or even a full 100 years—without ever needing a charge. That vision is no longer science fiction. Chinese researchers have announced a groundbreaking step toward a nuclear battery that may redefine the way we think about energy.

This technology, pioneered by Beijing-based firm Betavolt and supported by a second project at Northwest Normal University, uses a process called betavoltaics. Unlike typical rechargeable batteries that lose capacity over time, these new nuclear batteries draw power from radioactive isotopes that decay slowly, creating a near-constant flow of electricity.

How Nuclear Battery Work

At the core of this innovation is beta decay—a natural process where isotopes like Nickel-63 or Carbon-14 release electrons over decades. Instead of letting those electrons dissipate, researchers capture them with semiconductors, converting them into usable electrical current.

Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, these batteries:

• Contain no chain reactions
• Generate no heat or moving parts
• Operate silently and safely

The result is a device that provides low but steady power, making it perfect for long-term, small-scale energy needs.

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Where Could It Be Used?

While you won’t be using one of these to charge your smartphone anytime soon, their potential applications are enormous. Nuclear batteries could power:

• Medical implants like pacemakers, reducing the need for risky replacement surgeries
• Aerospace technology, where recharging isn’t an option
• Military and remote sensors, lasting decades without maintenance
• Space exploration, powering probes or satellites far from the sun’s reach

This discovery follows a broader global trend of seeking sustainable and long-lasting power solutions. To learn more about how new tech is reshaping the future, visit our Technology section ↗.

The Promise and the Concerns

A battery that lasts 50 to 100 years sounds revolutionary, but it also raises important questions. Safety, environmental impact, and regulatory approval will all play crucial roles in how—and if—these devices are widely adopted.

Still, the idea of energy storage lasting longer than a human lifetime represents a new era in power technology. As with many scientific breakthroughs, today’s prototype could become tomorrow’s household essential.

For a deeper dive into global innovations, check out related updates on Prime Curators Global ↗.