Micro energy harvesting: Impact on the biosphere

Small devices, small impacts, with a nuclear launch caveat

What this tab covers Effects on human, animal, plant, fungal and microbial life and on whole ecosystems: in the short term (construction and early years), medium term (operating life) and long term (decommissioning and legacy).

Impacts are small because the devices are small. The main concerns are hazardous materials at end of life and, for radioisotope power, the small chance of a launch accident.

Chance of launch accident releasing radioactive material (Mars 2020 RTG) 1 in 960¹² Maximum dose if released, unprotected person near launch site about 8 months of natural background¹²

Effects over time

Life affected	Short term	Medium term	Long term
Humans²¹²	Little evidence of effect from installation.	Harvesters can replace disposable batteries in sensors. For RTGs, NASA estimated a 1 in 960 chance of a launch accident releasing radioactive material for Mars 2020, with a maximum individual dose equal to about eight months of natural background.	End-of-life electronics may contain lead or tellurium compounds; radioactive sources need licensed disposal.
Animals¹⁴	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.
Plants¹⁴	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.
Fungi and soil life¹⁴	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.	Little evidence of effect.
Ecosystems¹³	Little evidence of effect.	Negligible displacement of other generation at current market size (about USD 0.61 billion).	Little evidence of effect.

How the effects are reduced

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics such as barium titanate and potassium sodium niobate avoid the lead in conventional piezo ceramics. Radioisotope generators use ceramic fuel in impact-resistant casings and are reviewed under environmental impact statements before each launch. Avoiding battery replacements in remote sensors reduces battery waste and maintenance trips.

Sources

Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) fact sheet NASA, 2020
NASA Updates Mars 2020 Mission Environmental Review NASA, 2019
Energy Harvesting System Market, Global Forecast to 2030 MarketsandMarkets, 2025
Energy Harvesting for Self-Powered Microsystems: A Critical Review of Materials, Power Management, and System Integration (Lin et al.) arXiv, 2026