The BV100 nuclear battery achieved mass production status as a coin-sized device, which represents a major advancement in small-scale energy storage technology. The miniature nuclear battery created by Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology provides 50 years of continuous power operation without any requirement for maintenance or recharging. A radioactive nickel-63 isotope powers the battery, which converts into stable copper while maintaining safety features and small size.
The BV100 operates through fourth-generation diamond semiconductor technology from China, which transforms radioactive decay into electrical power. The conversion of energy occurs efficiently through a two-micron nickel core positioned between two 10-micron diamond layers. The battery has a coin-sized dimension that produces 100 microwatts at 3 volts. The modular system enables users to connect multiple units to generate increased power output, although the device is not yet suitable for high-energy applications.
The upcoming one-watt version of the Betavolt battery will become available in 2025 for drone applications as well as medical equipment and AI systems and micro-robots. The battery outperforms standard lithium batteries by providing 3,300 milliwatt-hours per gram of energy density. This technology operates in extreme temperature conditions between -60°C and +120°C without any safety concerns regarding explosion or degradation.
Traditional nuclear batteries operated with bulky thermoelectric generators, but the BV100 leverages safe betavoltaic technology, which employs beta particles. The battery system produces minimal environmental effects because its radioactive elements transform naturally into harmless copper matter.
The innovative technology of Betavolt received significant recognition in China, while its intellectual property received multiple patent approvals. The global competition for nuclear battery development gained momentum because Betavolt started a worldwide race that brought competitors City Labs from the United States and Arkenlight from the United Kingdom to pursue similar technologies. The launch of maintenance-free atomic batteries has started under Betavolt’s leadership.
