Energy is an essential mechanism to all electronics. With tools, a power supply percentage is displayed for a short time after the tool is selected. Energy is unlimited in Creative Mode. Energy can apply to handheld items, seabases, and mobile vehicles and may also be referred to as charge or power on various objects.
Seabases[]
Seabases require energy to produce breathable air and to power appliances such as the Fabricator, Power Cell Charger, and Battery Charger.
Seabases will draw power from internal generators (Bioreactors or Nuclear Reactors) installed inside the base and 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. Power is drawn from the oldest generator first, regardless of the type of generator. Each generator will work to fill its own internal storage capacity and will not fill the capacity of other generators.
Lifepod 5 consumes and produces power much like a seabase. It draws its power from three special unremovable power cells, and power is generated during daylight hours from a built-in solar array.
Generators[]
| Module | Description | Energy Source | Capacity | Power/min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Composts organic matter into electrical energy. | Organic decomposition | 500 | 50 |
 |
Processes nuclear reactor rods. | Nuclear fission | 2500 | 250 |
 |
Build on the ground or base exterior in the sun to charge. | Stellar radiation | 75 | 15.2 overnight at 110m or higher[1] |
 |
Converts heat to energy (> 25 °C) | Heat | 250 | 66 at 75°C[2] |
Transmitter[]
| Module | Description | Energy Source |
|---|---|---|
 |
Extends range of power source. |
Items and vehicles[]
Some items and vehicles require a Battery, Power Cell, Ion Battery, or Ion Power Cell to operate. When energy runs out, the player can replace the empty power source with a new one by selecting the key respective to that item/vehicle. Doing so brings up a menu of compatible power sources in the player's inventory plus the current power source, which can be scrolled to equip a new battery/power cell.
Controls[]
| Action | Mouse & Keyboard | Xbox One | PlayStation 4 | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changing Battery | 
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For vehicles, interact directly with the empty power cell(s):
- The Seamoth's power cell is towards the rear, underneath the propeller.
- The Prawn Suit has two power cells on its shoulder plates, near the storage.
- The Cyclops has two banks of three power cells on either side of the engine.
- The Seatruck has two power cells on top of the cabin.
- The Snowfox has a battery on the top near the handlebars.
The Seamoth, Prawn Suit, and Seatruck can also be recharged by docking them at a Moonpool or in a Cyclops, while the Snowfox can be recharged by docking it at a Snowfox Hoverpad. While docked, they recharge at the same rate as if their power cells were in a Power Cell Charger.
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. They can also be recharged in place with the Swim Charge Fins (for batteries) or the appropriate vehicle generator module (for power cells).
List of charged items[]
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Vehicular Generators[]
| Module | Description | Energy Source | Power/min |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
An upgrade for the Seamoth that will convert stellar radiation into energy when possible. | Stellar Radiation |
60% Power Cell Charge (Daytime, Surface) |
 |
An upgrade for the PRAWN Suit that converts local heat into energy. | Heat (>30°C) | Roughly 60% Power Cell Charge (70°C) |
 |
An upgrade for the Cyclops that converts local heat into energy. | Heat (>35°C) | (Needs Testing) |