- Innovative Collaboration: Kronos Advanced Technologies (USA) and Yasheng Group (China) are partnering to develop and patent a small nuclear battery powered by nickel-63, offering a 50-year lifespan without recharging.
- Diverse Applications: The nuclear battery could revolutionize power sources for medical devices, aerospace missions, IoT devices, environmental monitoring, and potentially consumer electronics.
- Market Growth Potential: The global nuclear battery market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% to 9.1% from 2024 to 2032, driven by technological advancements and demand for long-lasting power solutions.
United States based Kronos Advanced Technologies Inc. and China based Yasheng Group have announced a collaboration in efforts to develop a file patent for a small nuclear battery powered by the decay of nickel-63. It will be designed to provide a reliable power source of electrical energy with a lifespan of up to 50 years without requiring recharging. This partnership has the power to completely transform energy accessibility as we know it.
Yasheng Group will be responsible for filing the nuclear battery patent in China, while Kronos will handle the filing in North America. Each party will bear the costs associated with filing in their respective countries. Kronos will receive 10% of the royalties earned by Yasheng Group in China, and Yasheng Group will receive 10% of the royalties earned by Kronos in North America.
Applications targeted by the partnership include medical devices, where nickel-63 batteries can power implantable medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts, and cochlear implants. The batteries could also be used by the aerospace industry for long-duration space missions and satellite power. They can also be used in remote sensors, micro-electromechanical systems, and Internet of Things devices that require a reliable and maintenance-free power source. In addition, these batteries can power environmental monitoring devices, industrial sensors, and advanced automation systems, as well as various scientific instruments and equipment.
They can also be used for remote sensors, MEMS systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices “Their small size and long operational life ensure continuous monitoring and data collection in remote or hard-to-reach locations.” They can also be used to power environmental monitoring devices, industrial sensors, and advanced automation systems.
In the future, consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and small household gadgets could benefit from nickel-63 batteries. “The potential to create devices that never need recharging would revolutionize the consumer electronics market, although this application is still in developmental stages,” Kronos noted.
Citing several market research organizations, Kronos said the market potential for nuclear batteries is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to market research, the global nuclear battery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.7% to 9.1% from 2024 to 2032. “This growth is driven by advancements in nuclear technology, the rising adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the demand for long-lasting power sources in various industries, including medical, aerospace, and remote sensing.”