Arlington eyes nuclear radiation for power conversion

In a major leap for defence energy systems, DARPA will brief industry on 20 June 2025 about a new initiative to convert nuclear radiation directly into kilowatts of electricity. The programme aims to power remote, unattended military operations without relying on traditional fuel or thermal conversion, potentially transforming how energy is generated and sustained in harsh environments.

The U.S. Department of Defense’s research wing, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is preparing to revolutionise energy generation for military operations by exploring how nuclear radiation can be converted directly into high-power electricity. This new approach, to be outlined during an industry briefing on 20 June 2025, marks a significant departure from conventional nuclear-to-thermal conversion models.

The initiative, titled Rads to Watts, seeks to harness the energy from ionising radiation and convert it into kilowatts of electricity without relying on traditional intermediate thermal systems. This approach not only simplifies the energy conversion process but also aims to make power systems more reliable in harsh, remote environments where refuelling or logistical support is challenging, if not impossible.

The core challenge addressed by the Rads to Watts project is the degradation of semiconductor materials under high radiation exposure. Current radiovoltaic devices are typically suited for low-power applications and struggle with high-fluence radiation, which can create defects in semiconductor structures, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan. The new initiative encourages industry contractors to develop novel materials and architectures that can withstand these conditions while offering high-efficiency energy conversion.

The programme’s success could lay the groundwork for a new generation of portable, autonomous power units capable of operating for years without human intervention. Such systems would be particularly useful for unmanned stations, forward-deployed units, and critical surveillance infrastructure located in areas with extreme weather, hostile terrain, or strategic constraints.

The June 20 briefing will serve as a starting point for technical proposals, with DARPA expected to announce development timelines and contract awards in the subsequent months. As countries worldwide race to build energy systems that are cleaner, faster, and more efficient, Rads to Watts might just spark the next leap in high-performance, zero-refuelling power solutions.

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Arlington eyes nuclear radiation for power conversion