By Energy & Technology Correspondent
LONDON – British researchers have achieved a breakthrough in sustainable energy with the creation of a “diamond battery” that harnesses recycled nuclear waste to generate continuous power for millennia. This innovation could redefine long-term energy storage for space exploration, medical implants, and critical infrastructure.
How the Diamond Battery Works
The revolutionary power source combines:
✔ Repurposed nuclear graphite (from decommissioned reactors)
✔ Lab-grown diamond layers that convert radiation into electricity
✔ Betavoltaic technology generating current through radioactive decay
Unlike conventional batteries, this system requires no recharging—just gradual decay of carbon-14 isotopes over 5,700 years (equivalent to carbon’s half-life).
Unprecedented Performance & Safety
Early prototypes demonstrate:
- Ultra-long lifespan: Outlasting all existing battery technologies
- Minimal radiation: Weaker than natural human body emissions
- Zero maintenance: Fully sealed, non-toxic design
- Eco-friendly solution: Repurposes nuclear waste stockpiles
“We’re turning a global liability into clean energy,” explains Dr. Oliver Scott, lead researcher at the University of Bristol. “One gram of recycled nuclear material could power a pacemaker for 28,000 years.”
Potential Applications
The technology could transform:
Space exploration: Powering probes for interstellar missions
Medical devices: Enabling lifetime implantable electronics
Remote sensors: Maintaining infrastructure monitoring for centuries
Disaster zones: Providing permanent backup power sources
Challenges Ahead
While promising, scaling faces hurdles:
- Current low power output (sufficient for microelectronics only)
- Regulatory approvals for nuclear material use
- Manufacturing costs of synthetic diamond components
The UK Atomic Energy Authority has invested £4.2 million to advance the technology, with pilot production expected by 2026.
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