Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking Diamond Nuclear Voltaic (DNV) battery that promises to provide continuous electrical power for thousands of years — potentially over 5,700 years — without ever needing a recharge. The innovative technology repurposes carbon‑14 isotopes from recycled nuclear waste, safely encased inside lab‑grown diamond structures to produce a small but sustained flow of energy.
Developed by researchers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), this “diamond battery” uses the radioactive decay of carbon‑14 — a byproduct of nuclear reactors with a half‑life of roughly 5,730 years — to generate power through a process similar to how solar cells convert light into electricity.
Unlike conventional batteries that lose charge within months or years, the diamond battery’s design ensures zero harmful radiation escapes thanks to the diamond encapsulation, making it safe for use in sensitive applications. This astonishing endurance could make the diamond battery ideal for powering technologies where changing or recharging batteries is impractical or impossible. Potential uses include deep‑space probes, satellites, medical implants like pacemakers and hearing aids, and remote sensors in harsh environments.
By turning nuclear waste into clean, long‑lasting energy, this innovation not only offers a sustainable power solution but also presents a novel approach to reducing the environmental challenges of radioactive waste storage. While output levels remain low compared to everyday batteries, the diamond battery represents a major leap toward long‑duration, maintenance‑free energy sources — a transformative development in how humanity might power critical systems deep into the future.
