China Unveils a Nuclear Battery That Could Last Millennia: What Sets It Apart.

The Qianjiyuan Tianshu Nuclear Battery

According to ITC.ua — Техно: A team of researchers from Northwest Normal University and the Gansu Institute of Technology in China unveiled a new nuclear battery in 2024, named the Qianjiyuan Tianshu. Powered by the carbon-14 isotope, this battery boasts an exceptionally long lifespan—potentially spanning thousands of years—while also delivering significantly higher power output than earlier models.

Key Specifications and Performance

The Qianjiyuan Tianshu nuclear battery generates a current of 0.713 microamperes and a voltage of 2.06 V, positioning it as a robust energy source. With a maximum output of 1.13 microwatts, it demonstrates strong efficiency when compared to conventional power options. Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years, which underpins the battery's remarkable durability.

Measuring just 16.8 cubic centimeters in volume, the battery is compact and well-suited for integration into various technological applications. Nuclear batteries similar to the Qianjiyuan Tianshu have already been deployed in NASA space missions, including the Voyager probes launched in 1977 and the Curiosity rover in 2012. This highlights the growing importance of nuclear technology in meeting modern energy demands.

The development of the Qianjiyuan Tianshu nuclear battery could open up new possibilities for energy technologies across a wide range of fields—from space exploration to everyday electronic devices. Its long operational life and high efficiency have the potential to significantly reduce energy supply costs and lessen the environmental impact associated with traditional power sources. In this way, the innovation marks a meaningful step toward the sustainable evolution of energy systems in the years ahead.