Energy is an essential mechanism for all electronics in Subnautica 2. For handheld tools, energy levels are displayed above the item in the inventory or hotbar, indicating remaining power. This system applies to handheld items, seabases, and mobile vehicles, and may also be referred to as charge or power depending on the object.
Players can generate energy using renewable sources (such as geothermal or solar) and non-renewable sources (such as bioreactors). In Creative Mode, energy is unlimited, and equipment does not require recharging.
Seabases
Seabases require energy to produce breathable air and to power appliances such as the Fabricator, Power Cell Terminal, and Battery Terminal.
Seabases draw power from internal generators like Bioreactors installed inside the base, as well as external generators (Solar Panels or Thermal Plants) within power transmission range. Power transmission is visualized 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. Each generator fills its own internal storage capacity and does not share capacity with other generators.
Crafting-related seabase modules, such as the Fabricator, only draw power while actively crafting a product.
Generators
| Module | Description | Energy Source | Energy/sec |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rapidly decays organic matter and converts the biomaterial into power. | Organic decomposition | 1-20 |
 | Generates energy from sunlight. Reduced output at night or in deep water. | Stellar radiation | 1-8, depending on sunlight |
 | Converts heat into usable power. Excellent for the Zezuran desert. Requires power transmission device. | Heat | 1-16 |
 | Generates power when placed inside a natural current. Requires power transmission device. Cannot be placed in an artificial current. | Water currents | 12 |
Transmitter
| Module | Description | Energy Source |
|---|---|---|
 | Extends range of power source. Exploits the Tamura-Murai process to transmit high-frequency current through ionized seawater. | * Hydroelectric Turbine<br>* Solar Panel<br>* Thermal Plant |
Items and Vehicles
Some items and vehicles require a Basic Battery or Power Cell, or an equivalent upgraded electronic item such as the Advanced Battery or Entangled Power Cell. When energy runs out, the player can replace the empty power source with a new one by selecting the key respective to that item or vehicle. This opens a menu of compatible power sources in the player's inventory, including the current power source, which can be scrolled to equip a new battery or power cell.
- Keyboard & Mouse: Press
Rto swap the battery of a held tool, andA/Dto change batteries.
For vehicles, interact directly with the empty power cell(s):
- The Tadpole's power cell is located on its roof, adjacent to the upgrade compartment.
The Tadpole can also be recharged by docking at a Moonpool. While docked, it recharges at the same rate as if its power cells were in a Power Cell Charger.
Replacing a partially or fully depleted battery or power cell returns the used item to the player. These can be recharged using a Battery Terminal or Power Cell Terminal, both of which draw power from a Seabase. In the Tadpole, power cells can also be recharged using the Photovoltaic Charger upgrade.
Power Cells and Batteries are fully charged upon crafting equipment, regardless of their prior charge state.
List of Charged Items
| Component | Power Source |
|---|---|
 Flashlight | Battery |
 Habitat Builder | Battery |
 Repair Tool | Battery |
 Wakemaker | Battery |
 Scanner | Battery |
 Bioscanner | Battery |
 Sonic Resonator | Battery |
 Feedback Resonator | Battery |
List of Charged Seabase Modules
| Component | Power Draw (energy/sec) |
|---|---|
 Tadpole Dock | 10 |
 Vehicle Fabricator | 5 |
 Fabricator | 2 |
 Processor | 10 |
 Biolab | 5 |
 Modification Station | 5 |
 Small Ceiling Light | 1 |
 Rectangular Ceiling Light | 2 |
 Wall Light Small | 1 |
 Wall Light Large | 2 |
 Axum Wall Lamp | 1 |
 Battery Terminal | Depends on number of Batteries inserted |
 Power Cell Terminal | Depends on number of Power Cells inserted |
 NoA Terminal | 2 |
 Scanner Station | 10 |
 Time of Day Display | 1 |
 Exterior Wall Light | 1 |
 Spotlight | 2 |
Vehicular Generators
| Module | Description | Energy Source | Energy/sec |
|---|---|---|---|
 Photovoltaic Charger | Charges the Tadpole's power cell in shallow waters during the day. | Stellar Radiation | TBD |
