Small nuclear waste batteries could fuel drones for 30 years via trickle charging, making Spiderweb scenario a permanent nightmare

Date:
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:35:00 +0000

Description:
DARPA's programme aims to convert nuclear waste into lightweight batteries capable of powering drones and satellites for decades.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter 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. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: 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. You may like China testing truck-mounted nuclear reactor built to power AI data centers for decades New water-powered tech could power batteries that can last hundreds of years without degrading Chinese scientists develop self-propelling micro-robots to extract uranium from seawater

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 electricityOurs directly convert radiation into electricity, said Stafford Sheehan, CEO and founder of Project Omega. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar
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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. What to read next This new reactor system converts plastic waste into sustainable jet fuel with promising economics 'The second life of drones': Why thousands of UAVs in Ukraine have stopped working, how a team of 'craftsmen' is fixing 24,000 obsolete drones every year, and what it means for the future of the drone industry War, drones, and the energy reckoning: How the Iran war is reshaping tech investment

At a high level, we take nuclear waste, we recycle it into two products: one is fuel for reactorsthe 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.

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