Nuclear batteries are powering a new clean energy race
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The nuclear battery has long been associated with specialized uses such as space missions and remote military equipment. For decades, the technology remained outside mainstream energy conversations, overshadowed by large reactors and, more recently, by the rapid adoption of wind and solar.
Today, nuclear batteries are returning to the spotlight as demand for resilient, long-life energy sources grows. From microreactors powering industrial hubs to betavoltaic devices running medical implants, this resurgence is reshaping how policymakers, investors, and manufacturers think about nuclear power in the clean energy transition.
The comeback of nuclear batteries in global energy
Nuclear batteries, also known as radioisotope power sources, convert the decay of radioactive isotopes into electricity. Their history traces back to the Cold War, when they were used in spacecraft such as Voyager and Apollo missions. What makes them unique is their ability to provide continuous power for decades without refueling.
That capability is drawing new attention in today’s energy environment. Chinese company Betavolt recently unveiled a coin-sized nuclear battery, the BV100, capable of producing 100 microwatts for up to 50 years. In the United Kingdom, Arkenlight is developing betavoltaic systems using diamond semiconductors sourced from carbon-14 isotopes, with potential applications in satellites, medical devices, and industrial sensors. Miami-based City Labs is commercializing tritium-powered cells that can last for 20 years, targeting aerospace and defense markets.
How microreactors are redefining nuclear as an energy “battery”
Beyond miniature batteries, the term “nuclear battery” has also come to describe a new class of microreactors. These are compact, factory-built nuclear units, often small enough to fit inside a shipping container, capable of delivering anywhere from 1 to 20 megawatts. Their modular design allows deployment in locations unsuited for large nuclear plants or renewable infrastructure.
Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor illustrates this shift. Scheduled for testing in 2026 at Penn State, the unit can run autonomously for more than eight years without refueling. Nano Nuclear Energy is developing reactor models such as ZEUS and ODIN, targeting markets ranging from mining operations to military installations. In the UK, plans are underway to build microreactors on the site of a former coal plant in Wales, each expected to deliver 20 megawatts of clean energy.
Commercial momentum and partnerships with tech giants
What sets today’s nuclear battery revival apart is the scale of corporate and financial backing. Technology companies and utilities see nuclear as a pathway to meeting energy security and decarbonization targets.
Google, for example, has partnered with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority to construct a microreactor designed to deliver 50 megawatts to data centers by 2030. The project reflects a growing concern within the technology sector about rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Rolls-Royce is advancing its small modular reactor program, supported by more than £2.5 billion in UK government commitments. US startup Oklo, backed by Sam Altman, is developing compact reactors with its first commercial deployment expected later this decade. Nano Nuclear Energy, another emerging player, has seen its market value climb more than 380 percent this year, a reflection of investor enthusiasm tied to AI-related energy demand.
Safety, regulation, and the road to adoption
Despite the optimism, questions of safety and regulation remain central. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the US is adapting policies to address the specific characteristics of microreactors, such as factory assembly and sealed fuel modules. Developers are emphasizing enhanced safety features, including passive cooling systems and advanced materials designed to contain radiation.
Public perception presents another hurdle. Memories of large-scale nuclear accidents continue to influence debate. To overcome this, companies are framing microreactors and betavoltaics as distinct from conventional reactors, highlighting their smaller scale, limited fuel use, and intrinsic safety features. By focusing on transparency, risk reduction, and long-term waste management, developers aim to secure regulatory and societal acceptance.
The return of the nuclear battery represents more than a technological milestone. It reflects a strategic shift toward resilient, decentralized, and long-duration power systems. From powering satellites and pacemakers to supporting industrial facilities and AI infrastructure, nuclear batteries could play a critical role in diversifying the energy mix.
Rather than competing directly with wind and solar, nuclear batteries complement them by addressing intermittency and extending power reliability to regions where grid expansion is difficult. As geopolitical pressures and electrification demands intensify, nuclear batteries offer a scalable solution that bridges the gap between renewables and traditional nuclear plants.
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