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Zeno Power Secures $50 Million to Advance Nuclear Battery Tech for Space and Underwater Applications
WASHINGTON — Zeno Power, an innovative startup specializing in nuclear batteries for deployment in harsh environments, announced on May 14 that it has successfully secured $50 million in Series B funding. This substantial investment aims to expedite the development of its energy systems designed for both space exploration and underwater usage.
Investment Details and Strategic Goals
The funding initiative was spearheaded by Hanaco Ventures, attracting a consortium of investors with a focus on space and defense technologies. Notable participants include Seraphim, Balerion Space Ventures, JAWS, Vanderbilt University, RiverPark Ventures, Stage 1 Ventures, 7i Capital, and Beyond Earth Ventures.
Headquartered in both Seattle and Washington, D.C., the company will allocate the raised capital towards:
- Expanding its team of experts.
- Enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.
- Achieving its goal of launching the first commercial nuclear battery by 2027.
Revolutionizing Energy Solutions with Radioisotope Power Systems
Zeno’s primary product, a radioisotope power system (RPS), leverages the heat produced by radioactive decay to generate electricity. NASA has historically utilized this technology for deep space missions. Zeno is among a select group of private enterprises working to modernize and broaden the applicability of this technology for both military and commercial purposes.
“As geopolitical tensions increase, the ocean depths, the Arctic region, and the lunar landscape are evolving into crucial arenas for global security and economic progress. Yet, these areas suffer from significant energy scarcity,” stated Tyler Bernstein, CEO and co-founder of Zeno. “This funding allows us to complete full-scale system demonstrations by 2026 and introduce the first commercially available nuclear batteries to power these challenging settings by 2027.”
Addressing Energy Limitations in Extreme Conditions
Zeno’s systems are being engineered to supply power to unmanned vehicles and infrastructure in environments where conventional energy sources like solar, chemical, or combustion-based systems are inadequate. These include:
- Deep ocean environments
- Arctic winters
- The extended lunar nights
Government Collaborations and Future Demonstrations
The company has secured over $60 million in contracts with the Department of Defense and NASA, supporting the development of prototypes for advanced satellites, subsea infrastructure, and lunar landers. One significant project involves a nuclear-powered satellite supported by the U.S. Air Force, with a demonstration planned for 2026.
Expanding Team and Production Capabilities
Building on a $20 million Series A funding round in 2022 led by Tribe Capital, Zeno plans to expand its workforce to over 100 employees across its two locations and invest in enhancing production capacity.
Strategic Military Leadership
Zeno is also strengthening its leadership team with the addition of retired U.S. Navy Admiral John Richardson, former chief of naval operations, to its board of directors. Richardson’s experience overseeing the Navy’s nuclear fleet will be invaluable as Zeno advances its technology.
“I am honored to join Zeno Power during this pivotal moment for nuclear innovation,” commented Richardson. “Zeno’s nuclear batteries offer a secure, dependable, and long-lasting power source suitable for use everywhere from the ocean floor to outer space, where conventional energy technologies struggle.”
Technological Milestones and Partnerships
Over the past three years, Zeno has achieved significant technical advancements, including the unveiling of its first nuclear prototype at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and securing Strontium-90 fuel from the U.S. Department of Energy. A partnership with Westinghouse Electric is focused on producing the radioisotope heat sources necessary to power its systems.
Lunar Exploration Initiatives
In the commercial space sector, Zeno is collaborating with iSpace-U.S. to develop nuclear-powered systems capable of withstanding the extreme cold of the lunar night. A technology demonstration is anticipated as early as 2027.
Investor Perspectives
“Nuclear energy is experiencing a resurgence, and Zeno is at the forefront of making it accessible in locations where no other energy source can operate reliably,” said Lior Prosor, partner at Hanaco Ventures. “Zeno’s nuclear batteries promise immediate benefits for defense and space applications, with the potential to revolutionize energy delivery in remote and decentralized environments.”
Radioisotope Power Systems Explained
The Science Behind RPS Technology
Radioisotope power systems (RPS) generate electricity by converting heat from the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as Strontium-90 or Plutonium-238, into electrical power using thermoelectric generators. NASA has utilized RPS since the 1960s in missions like Voyager, Cassini, and the Mars Curiosity rover. Unlike nuclear reactors, RPS do not involve chain reactions, have no moving parts, and are inherently safe and maintenance-free for long-duration missions.
Future Applications and Commercial Potential
Zeno anticipates that with modern materials, automated manufacturing techniques, and strategic commercial partnerships, RPS can transition from a specialized government tool to a vital component in off-grid power solutions, particularly in an era marked by geopolitical competition and lunar commercial activities.