Zeno Power Initiates Nuclear Battery Production at Vallecitos Nuclear Center

Zeno Power announced the restoration of hot cell infrastructure at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center to manufacture radioisotope power systems (RPSs) for extreme environments. The facility will initially produce strontium-90–fueled nuclear batteries for undersea applications, with plans to scale production for space applications by 2028. Zeno has completed the final design review for an americium-241–fueled RPS for NASA. The Vallecitos facility will support government contracts and is designed for the full radiological production process. Nonradiological operations have begun, with radiological operations expected to start later this year, pending approval from the California Department of Public Health. Zeno is partnering with NorthStar Group Services for infrastructure restoration at the site, which has a historical significance as the first privately financed nuclear power plant in the U.S.

Key Points: • Zeno Power is restoring hot cell infrastructure at Vallecitos for nuclear battery production. • Initial production will focus on strontium-90 batteries for undersea applications. • Radiological operations are expected to begin later this year, pending regulatory approval.