- Nuclear waste could become fuel for decades-long autonomous operations around the world
- DARPA wants batteries to provide continuous power for up to 30 years
- Project Omega efficiently converts radiation directly into usable electrical energy
Scientists working as part of a US defense program are developing compact nuclear batteries intended to provide continuous electricity for several decades.
The effort focuses on radioisotope electrical systems that convert radiation directly into electricity instead of storing the energy through chemical reactions.
Developers believe these lightweight devices could eventually allow drones, satellites and remote equipment to operate without conventional battery replacement for years.
Nuclear waste becomes fuel for decades of uninterrupted energy
The program is part of DARPA’s Rads to Watts initiative, which seeks compact power sources with high energy density and longevity.
A recent $3.37 million grant supports the development of a proof-of-concept device producing more than 10 watts per kilogram.
One of the program’s participants, Project Omega, is developing a generator that uses isotopes extracted from existing nuclear waste rather than newly produced radioactive materials from dedicated facilities.
“Solar cells directly convert sunlight into electricity…Ours convert radiation directly into electricity,” said Stafford Sheehan, CEO and founder of Project Omega.
“We already have some of these small devices in operation; those that are specifically designed to meet DARPA’s criterion of merit will be released early next year.”
Researchers estimate that more than 100,000 tons of nuclear waste currently remain stored at 52 reactor sites across the country.
Sheehan argued that existing stockpiles provide material in abundance while unresolved disposal issues continue to generate costly legal disputes for authorities each year.
“At a high level, we take nuclear waste, we recycle it into two products: one is fuel for reactors… the other is power isotopes, so isotopes that you can use to power things. »
Unlike conventional rechargeable batteries, the proposed units use solid-state isotopic blocks coated with semiconductors that generate electricity through exposure to radiation.
Military planners see clear benefits for drones and satellites
Radioisotope electrical systems have powered spacecraft and scientific missions for decades, typically using plutonium-based materials.
Project Omega will now use strontium-90, which developers describe as less dangerous than plutonium-238 alternatives currently in use.
The batteries are also expected to operate in extreme temperatures that often create complications for military equipment in harsh environments.
Military interest is growing as demand for unmanned systems increases alongside ongoing concerns about recharging requirements during extended deployments around the world.
A drone capable of operating for 30 years with continuous power on board would change assumptions about endurance and logistics requirements.
Several organizations participate in the Rads to Watts program, including Morgan State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, ARA and Widetronix.
Researchers expect a minimally viable prototype to emerge by early 2027 after testing under increasingly realistic operating conditions and scenarios.
However, the conversion efficiency, radiation effects, deployment reliability and safety still require in-depth evaluation efforts.
If the technology succeeds, autonomous systems capable of operating for decades could become technically feasible.
Via Defense One
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