Energy

Power Cells are one source of Energy, the other being batteries

Energy is used by Seabases and various items and vehicles.

Seabases

A seabase requires energy, to produce breathable air and to power any appliances, such as the Fabricator and Alien Containment.

Seabases will draw power from internal generators (Nuclear Reactors or Bio Reactors) installed inside the base, and also from any external generators (Solar Panels or Thermal Plants) within power transmission range. Power transmission is represented by a thin glowing blue line connecting an external generator to the base. The Power Transmitter can be used to connect generators to bases across greater distances.

Lifepod 5 consumes power much like a seabase, but does not require a generator. It draws its power from three special "self-charging" power cells.

Energy generators
Name	Installation	Energy Source	Capacity	Power/min
Solar Panel	External	Stellar radiation	25	25^[1]
Bioreactor	Internal	Organic decomposition	100	5
Thermal Plant	External	Heat	50	50^[2]
Nuclear Reactor	Internal	Nuclear fission	500	150

↑ Actual output depends on how much sunlight the panel is receiving, see the Solar Panel page for details.
↑ Actual output depends on the temperature at the Thermal Plant's location.

Items and vehicles

Some items and vehicles require a Battery or Power Cell to operate.

When Energy runs out, the player can replace the empty power source with a Battery or Power Cell from inventory. For handheld devices, equip the device and press the Replace key (default "R"). For vehicles, interact directly with the empty power cell. The Seamoth's power cell is on the underside, towards the rear. The Cyclops has two banks of three power cells, on either side of the engine. Besides replacing its Power Cell, the Seamoth can also be recharged when docked with a Moon Pool or Cyclops.

Replacing a partially or fully depleted battery or power cell will give the player that used battery or power cell. They can be recharged using a Battery Charger or Power Cell Charger, both of which draw power from a Seabase or the Cyclops.

The Cyclops, seabases, and Lifepod 5 still require energy in Freedom Mode.

Object	Name	Energy Source
	Cyclops	Power Cell
	Lifepod	Self-Charging Power Cell
	Flashlight	Battery
	SeaGlide	Battery
	Seamoth	Power Cell
	Stasis Rifle	Battery
	Transfuser	Battery
	Welder	Battery
	Laser Cutter	Battery
	Propulsion Cannon	Battery
	Propulsion Cannon	Battery

[1] Actual output depends on how much sunlight the panel is receiving, see the Solar Panel page for details.

[2] Actual output depends on the temperature at the Thermal Plant's location.

[1]

[2]