Uranium power storage power station

What is a uranium storage battery?

The uranium storage battery utilises depleted uranium (DU) as the negative electrode active material and iron as the positive one, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) said. The single-cell voltage of the prototype uranium rechargeable battery is 1.3 volts, which is close to that of a common alkaline battery (1.5 volts).

What is the world's first uranium rechargeable battery?

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency has developed what it says is the world's first "uranium rechargeable battery" and that tests have verified its performance in charging and discharging. Meanwhile, South Korean researchers have developed a prototype betavoltaic battery powered by the carbon-14 isotope. The uranium battery concept (Image: JAEA)

Can depleted uranium be used in storage batteries?

"We began this research with the idea that if depleted uranium can be used in storage batteries, it can go from being a waste material to being a treasure trove," said Ouchi, further adding, "Now that we have demonstrated that uranium batteries are possible, from April, we are going to add a tank and make a larger battery.

How much uranium is stored in Japan?

According to JAEA, there is currently about 16,000 tonnes of depleted uranium stored in Japan and some 1.6 million tonnes stored worldwide. JAEA said it is now aiming to increase the capacity of uranium storage batteries (the amount of electricity they can store) by circulating the electrolyte.