- Nuclear waste can become fuel for decades-long autonomous operations around the world
- DARPA wants batteries that provide continuous power for up to 30 years
- Project Omega converts radiation directly into usable electrical energy efficiently
Scientists working on a US defense program are developing compact nuclear batteries intended to supply electricity continuously for several decades.
The effort revolves around radioisotope energy systems that convert radiation directly into electricity rather than storing energy through chemical reactions.
Developers believe these lightweight devices could eventually keep drones, satellites and remote equipment running without conventional battery replacements 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 that offer high energy density and longevity.
A recent $3.37 million award supports the development of a proof-of-concept device that produces more than 10 watts per kilogram.
A participant in the program, Project Omega, is developing the generator that uses isotopes extracted from existing nuclear waste instead of newly produced radioactive material in dedicated facilities.
“Solar cells directly convert sunlight into electricity… Ours directly convert radiation into electricity,” said Stafford Sheehan, CEO and founder of Project Omega.
“We already have some of these small devices up and running; the ones specifically designed to meet the DARPA figure of merit will be out early next year.”
Researchers estimate that more than 100,000 metric tons of nuclear waste currently remain stored at 52 reactor locations across the country.
Sheehan argued that existing reserves provide abundant material, while unresolved disposal issues continue to generate costly legal disputes for authorities annually.
“At a high level, we take nuclear waste, we recycle it into two products: one is reactor fuel… the other is energy isotopes, so the isotopes can be used to power things.”
Unlike conventional rechargeable cells, the proposed units use solid-state isotope blocks coated with semiconductors that generate electricity through exposure to radiation.
Military planners see obvious advantages to drones and satellites
Radioisotope energy systems have powered spacecraft and scientific missions for decades, typically using plutonium-based materials.
Project Omega will now use Strontium-90, which the developers describe as less dangerous than the Plutonium-238 alternatives currently used.
The batteries are also expected to operate in extreme temperatures that often create complications for military hardware in harsh environments.
The military interest comes as demand for unmanned systems grows along with lingering concerns around payload requirements during extended deployments around the world.
A drone capable of operating for 30 years with continuous power on board would alter 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 hope that a minimally viable prototype will emerge in early 2027, after testing under increasingly realistic conditions and operating scenarios.
However, conversion efficiency, radiation effects, reliability, and safe deployment still require extensive evaluation efforts.
If the technology is successful, autonomous systems capable of operating for decades could become technically viable.
Via Defense One
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