UK creates first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years

Scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have announced the successful creation of the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.

This new battery technology could offer a reliable power source for thousands of years, thanks to its use of the radioactive isotope carbon-14.

The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize a range of applications, from medical devices to space exploration.

The press release from UKAEA confirms that this carbon-14 diamond battery marks a significant step forward in energy innovation. By harnessing the power of carbon-14, the battery generates low levels of power from the radioactive decay of the isotope, which has a half-life of 5,700 years.

The diamond serves as a protective casing for the carbon-14, ensuring safety while maintaining its ability to generate power.

Applications in medical devices 

One of the key potential applications for this technology is in medical devices. Bio-compatible diamond batteries could be used in implants such as ocular devices, hearing aids, and pacemakers.

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These batteries would reduce the need for replacements and minimize the distress caused to patients. Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, explained, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.” 

Use in extreme environments. 

According to the UKAEA, the battery’s long lifespan makes it ideal for use in extreme environments, both on Earth and in space. For instance, these batteries could power devices like active radio frequency (RF) tags, which are used to track and identify objects such as spacecraft or payloads.

The ability to operate for decades without needing replacement is said to make carbon-14 diamond batteries a promising option for both space missions and remote terrestrial applications, where conventional battery replacements are not feasible.

How the carbon-14 diamond battery works

UKAEA explains that the carbon-14 diamond battery generates power by capturing fast-moving electrons produced during the radioactive decay of carbon-14. This is similar to how solar panels turn light into electricity, but instead, they use the movement of electrons within the diamond. The long lifespan of carbon-14 means the battery can provide power at low levels for thousands of years.

Collaboration between UKAEA and University of Bristol 

Details inform that the development of this battery was made possible through the collaboration of scientists and engineers from both UKAEA and the University of Bristol.

The teams worked together to build a plasma deposition rig, a specialized apparatus used to grow the diamond at UKAEA’s Culham Campus. Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol noted, “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications, from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants.” He added that the team is excited to explore these possibilities further with partners in industry and research.

UK creates first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years

Switzerland to extend work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025

Switzerland has announced plans to extend its work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025 as part of efforts to address labour shortages in key sectors.

The Swiss Federal Council revealed that up to 8,500 highly skilled workers from non-EU countries will be eligible to work in the country under the same system as in 2024.

According to TravelBiz, the decision is designed to help Swiss businesses fill critical job vacancies by ensuring continued access to skilled talent from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Work visa quotas for 2025 

Reports inform that Switzerland will maintain its current work visa quotas in 2025, allowing the recruitment of foreign workers in two main categories:

• 4,500 B Residence Permits: These permits are for long-term skilled workers and allow them to live and work in Switzerland for extended periods.

• 4,000 L Short-Term Residence Permits: These permits are for temporary work assignments, with stays lasting up to one year.

The Swiss Federal Council’s decision drive to support businesses struggling to find skilled workers and to meet demand in sectors experiencing labour shortages.

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Why Switzerland keeps quotas steady 

Switzerland’s decision to keep work visa quotas steady indicates a measured approach to immigration. While skilled foreign workers are recognized as crucial for economic growth, the Swiss government emphasizes the need for regulated immigration.

Reports inform that the country’s key objectives include:

• Supporting Economic Needs: The quota system helps Swiss companies address labour shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers.

• Prioritizing Domestic and EU/EFTA Workers: Swiss employers are required to first seek qualified talent from Switzerland and the EU/EFTA before hiring from third countries.

By maintaining these quotas, Switzerland is ensuring that its labour market remains balanced and that foreign workers complement, rather than compete with, the local workforce.

Utilization of Work Quotas in Recent Years 

According to TravelBiz, Switzerland has not been using all of its work visas for foreign workers. In 2023, only 78% of the available permits were issued, and by November 2024, around 63% of the permits had been filled.

This is because companies must first try to hire local workers or those from the EU/EFTA before hiring from outside those areas, which makes it harder to meet the eligibility requirements for foreign workers.

Visa options for foreign workers 

For foreign workers considering opportunities in Switzerland, there are two main types of permits:

• B Residence Permit: This permit is for skilled workers who have secured long-term employment in Switzerland. It is renewable annually and provides stability for both the worker and their family.
• L Short-Term Permit: The L permit is for workers in temporary or project-based roles. It is typically valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extension depending on job duration.

Switzerland to extend work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025

Canada increases application fees for temporary resident categories

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an increase in application fees for several temporary resident categories, affecting individuals seeking to restore their status or apply for various permits.

The fee hikes, which range from 2.80% to 4.69%, will apply to applicants in categories such as restoring temporary resident status, re-entering Canada after inadmissibility, and applying for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).

The updated fee structure impacts eight application categories, with varying increases for each. For instance, the fee for restoring Visitor Status has risen to $239.75 from $229.00.

Similarly, restoring Student Status now costs $389.75, up from $379.00, while restoring Worker Status has increased to $394.75 from $384.00. Other notable fee hikes include the cost for authorization to return to Canada, which has increased to $479.75 from $459.55, and criminal rehabilitation applications, which now range from $239.75 to $1,199.00, depending on the severity of the criminality.

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Additionally, the fee for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which targets young professionals and working holiday participants, has risen to $179.75, up from $172.00.

The fee for Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) has also gone up by 4.34%, while criminal rehabilitation applications for serious criminality have seen an increase of over 4%.

IRCC has emphasized that applicants must ensure they pay the correct fees at the time of application submission. For applications submitted online, the new fees should be included.

If submitting by mail before December 1st, 2024, applicants can still use the old fees, but will be required to pay the difference. Applicants are encouraged to use IRCC’s online payment tool to make any necessary additional payments.

These fee adjustments are part of IRCC’s periodic updates to account for inflation and to maintain the quality of services offered to applicants.