Primary high-temperature batteries will always be a mainstay for power for military weapons--both nuclear as well as conventional missiles for guidance and radar power. It also has potential as a possible use for borehole power supply, but using lower-melting electrolytes other than the conventional mixed-halide electrolytes. Argonne National Laboratories spend a considerable effort in the 1980s evaluating their possible use as a rechargeable power source for vehicle applications or energy storage but in the end it did not prove practical given today's alternative technologies.
We might guess the damages from contaminants caused by (seasonal water solutions) corrosion or damages from earthquakes, etc.
Li-metal based thionyl chloride, which is limited to temperatures under 80C. Thus, they require the use of a dewar to insulate and protect them. With a proper low-temperature "thermal battery" based on Li-alloy anodes and a number of suitable cathode, in conjunction with a suitable low-melting electrolyte, one would use the borehole heat to activate the battery by melting the electrolyte. It would do away with the need for a dewar.
I misspoke, as the melting point of Li is 180C. If the Li melts, it will cause a massive explosion due to exothermic reaction with the liquid catholyte and would destroy the borehole electronics package. With a solid Li alloy, however, that possibility if dramatically reduced and the overall electronics package size could be greatly reduced since no dewars would be required.
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