In Britain, they announced a technical breakthrough: a diamond battery will last for thousands of years

Scientists and engineers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have created the world's first carbon-14 battery that can last for thousands of years. This is stated in a press release on the university's website.

The battery uses the radioactive isotope carbon-14, which is used in radiocarbon dating. Scientists have already named several directions for a revolutionary new current source. Biocompatible diamond batteries can be used in medical devices such as eye implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, which minimizes the need for replacement and stress for patients.

Diamond batteries can also be used in extreme conditions — both in space and on Earth — where it is impractical to replace conventional batteries. The batteries can power active radio frequency beacons, which can be used for decades to track devices both on Earth and in space, such as spacecraft or payloads.

Tom Scott, Professor of Materials Science at The University of Bristol, said:

"Our micro—energy technology can support a range of important applications - from space technology and security devices to medical implants... The diamond battery works using carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to generate low power levels. It functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons) they capture fast-moving electrons from the diamond structure."

"Diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable way to generate power in microwaves. This is a new technology that uses artificial diamond to safely "pack" small amounts of carbon-14," explains Sarah Clark, Director of tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA.