Energy

This article is about Energy in Subnautica. Click here for information on this subject in Below Zero.

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 it generates power from a built-in solar array during daylight hours.

Generators

Module	Description	Energy Source	Capacity	Power/min
Bioreactor	Composts organic matter into electrical energy.	Organic decomposition	500	50
Nuclear Reactor	Processes nuclear reactor rods.	Nuclear fission	2500	250
Solar Panel	Build on the ground or base exterior in the sun to charge.	Stellar radiation	75	15.2 overnight at 110m or higher
Thermal Plant	Converts heat to energy (> 25 °C)	Heat	250	66 at 75°C

Transmitter

Module	Description	Energy Source
Power Transmitter	Extends range of power source.	Solar Panel Thermal Plant

Items and vehicles

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

Spoiler alert: The following section contains story related material.
Their upgraded variants, the Ion Battery and Ion Power Cell, can also be used in place of their normal versions.

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 R (Xbox One: , PlayStation 4:Error: Invalid Button Specified). For vehicles, interact directly with the empty power cell.

• The Seamoth's power cell is on the underside, towards the rear.
• The Prawn Suit has two power cells near the storage.
• The Cyclops has two banks of three power cells, on either side of the engine.

The Seamoth and the Prawn suit can also be recharged by docking at a Moonpool or Cyclops. 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).

Component Power Source Flashlight Battery Floodlight Seabase Habitat Builder Battery Laser Cutter Battery Pathfinder Tool Battery Propulsion Cannon Battery Repair Tool Battery Repulsion Cannon Battery

Component Power Source Scanner Battery Seaglide Battery Stasis Rifle Battery Cyclops Power Cell Prawn Suit Power Cell Seamoth Power Cell Lifepod 5 Solar Power Cell Spotlight Seabase

Vehicular Generators

Module	Description	Energy Source	Power/min
Seamoth Solar Charger	An upgrade for the Seamoth that will convert stellar radiation into energy when possible.	Stellar Radiation	60% Power Cell Charge (Daytime, Surface)
Prawn Suit Thermal Reactor	An upgrade for the PRAWN Suit that converts local heat into energy.	Heat (>30°C)	Roughly 60% Power Cell Charge (70°C)
Cyclops Thermal Reactor	An upgrade for the Cyclops that converts local heat into energy.	Heat (>35°C)	(Needs Testing)

Creative Mode

The Cyclops, Seabases, and Lifepod 5 do not require Energy in Creative Mode.