The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is supporting a program called "Rads to Watts" to develop a new generation of batteries that can convert nuclear waste into electrical energy, enabling drones and military systems to operate for decades without refueling.
The technology uses radioactive materials such as Strontium-90, converting nuclear decay into electricity to create a sustainable power source for harsh environments. Thin semiconductor layers are placed alongside radioactive materials to capture charged particles released during decay and convert them into usable electricity.
If successful, the technology could be deployed for persistent drones, remote military sensors, and defense systems requiring minimal long-term support.