Morgan State University and its partners have secured a $3.37 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a new class of nuclear-powered energy systems that could operate for decades without refueling.

The project, known as SYMPHONEE, aims to convert energy released by radioactive decay directly into electricity. Researchers believe the technology could provide reliable power for applications where batteries and conventional power systems struggle, including space missions, underwater infrastructure, remote sensors, and military platforms.

Morgan State leads the effort alongside Northrop Grumman, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Project Omega, Applied Research Associates (ARA), and Widetronix. The work falls under DARPA’s Rads to Watts program, which seeks to advance compact power systems with higher energy output and longer lifespans.

Turning waste into power

At the heart of the project is a radiovoltaic device that uses radioisotopes such as Strontium-90 to generate electricity. Unlike traditional batteries, these systems draw energy from radioactive decay and can continue operating for years with minimal maintenance.

The team plans to combine advanced semiconductor materials with beta-emitting isotopes to improve both performance and durability. Researchers also intend to use isotopes recovered from recycled nuclear fuel and legacy nuclear waste streams. Professor Michael Spencer, the project’s technical lead at Morgan State University, said the team is working to expand the limits of radiovoltaic technology.

“Our team is pushing the boundaries of radiovoltaic technology,” Spencer said. “By integrating advanced materials, device engineering, and nuclear science, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of persistent power systems.” The researchers will conduct much of the device development and testing at PNNL, where they aim to improve radiation tolerance while maintaining efficiency.

Focus on power density

DARPA’s program focuses heavily on power density, a key measure that determines how much electrical power a system can generate relative to its weight. Higher power density could make radiovoltaic systems more practical for missions where size, weight, and maintenance requirements remain critical constraints.

Early modeling suggests the technology could meet or exceed program targets for both specific power and energy density. If successful, the systems could unlock new capabilities for long-duration operations in remote and harsh environments. Project Omega CEO Stafford Sheehan said the effort could transform materials once considered waste into valuable energy resources.

“Our mission is to turn what has historically been treated as waste into a strategic energy asset,” Sheehan said. He added that the technology could reduce the need for frequent battery replacement in critical systems.

Defense and space potential

Northrop Grumman will contribute expertise in microelectronics, radiation effects, modeling, and system survivability. The company plans to use advanced computing tools to accelerate design work and evaluate performance under demanding conditions. According to Northrop Grumman, the technology could support future defense systems that require dependable power in locations where traditional energy sources cannot operate effectively.

The SYMPHONEE project reflects growing interest in compact nuclear energy technologies that can deliver continuous power over extended periods. If the team achieves its goals, the program could help establish a new generation of long-life energy systems for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.

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