China Develops Tiny Nuclear Battery That Works for 50 Years Without Charging

A Chinese company has developed a groundbreaking nuclear battery the size of a coin that can last up to 50 years without recharging or maintenance.

Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology recently began mass production of its BV100 battery, which runs on nickel-63—a radioactive isotope that decays into stable copper. The battery uses diamond semiconductor layers to safely convert radioactive decay into electricity.

It delivers 100 microwatts at 3 volts and is designed to be combined in series or parallel for greater power output. Though not yet strong enough for high-energy devices like smartphones, Betavolt plans to launch a one-watt version later this year for use in drones, medical devices, and military tech.

The BV100 marks the first nuclear battery to use China’s fourth-generation diamond semiconductor technology. It boasts over 10 times the energy density of lithium batteries and can operate in extreme temperatures from -60°C to 120°C.

Unlike older nuclear batteries developed during the Cold War, the BV100 doesn’t require high internal temperatures and poses no fire or explosion risk.

Betavolt’s innovation has drawn global attention. The company has secured patents in China and is filing internationally. Competing firms in the U.S., UK, and China are also racing to advance betavoltaic battery technology for long-lasting, compact energy solutions.