Nuclear waste could keep military drones flying for decades without ever needing replacement batteries again
- Nuclear waste may become fuel for decades-long autonomous operations worldwide
- DARPA wants batteries delivering power continuously for up to 30 years
- Project Omega is converting radiation directly into usable electrical energy efficiently
Scientists working with a United States defense programme are developing compact nuclear batteries intended to supply electricity continuously for several decades.
The effort revolves around radioisotope power systems that convert radiation directly into electricity instead of storing energy through chemical reactions.
Developers believe these lightweight devices could eventually keep drones, satellites, and remote equipment operating without conventional battery replacements for years.
Nuclear waste becomes fuel for decades of uninterrupted power
The programme falls under DARPA’s “Rads to Watts” initiative, which seeks compact energy sources delivering high energy density and longevity.
A recent $3.37 million award supports development of a proof-of-concept device producing more than 10 watts per kilogram.
One participant in the programme, Project Omega, is developing the generator that uses isotopes extracted from existing nuclear waste rather than newly produced radioactive material from 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 running; the ones that are specifically designed to meet the DARPA figure of merit are going to come out early next year.”
Researchers estimate that more than 100,000 metric tons of nuclear waste currently remain stored across 52 reactor locations nationwide.
Sheehan argued that existing stockpiles provide abundant material while unresolved disposal issues continue generating expensive legal disputes for authorities annually.
“At a high level, we take nuclear waste, we recycle it into two products: one is fuel for reactors…the other are power isotopes, so isotopes you can use to power things.”
Unlike conventional rechargeable cells, the proposed units use solid-state isotope blocks layered with semiconductors generating electricity through radiation exposure.
Military planners see obvious advantages for drones and satellites
Radioisotope power systems have powered spacecraft and scientific missions for decades, typically using plutonium-based materials.
Project Omega will now use Strontium-90, which developers describe as less hazardous than Plutonium-238 alternatives currently employed.
The batteries are also expected to function across temperature extremes that frequently create complications for military hardware in difficult environments.
Military interest arrives as demand for unmanned systems grows alongside persistent concerns surrounding charging requirements during extended deployments worldwide.
A drone capable of operating for 30 years with continuous onboard power would alter assumptions surrounding endurance and logistics requirements.
Several organisations are participating in the Rads to Watts programme, including Morgan State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, ARA, and Widetronix.
Researchers expect a minimally viable prototype to emerge by early 2027 following testing under increasingly realistic operating conditions and scenarios.
However, conversion efficiency, radiation effects, reliability, and safe deployment still require extensive evaluation efforts.
If the technology succeeds, autonomous systems capable of operating for decades could become technically feasible.
Via Defense One
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