Helium, a rare and essential gas, is crucial to technologies that shape our everyday lives, from medical devices to space exploration. Yet, a series of global shortages have left industries scrambling for this precious resource.
In 2022, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the United States faced the unsettling reality of a halted helium supply. Nancy Washton, a researcher at PNNL, recalls the shock when her team was informed that their regular helium shipment would not arrive. The supplier cited significant global shortages, with demand far outstripping supply. In fact, the lab’s helium allocation was drastically reduced by 2022, leaving researchers without the helium they needed for critical experiments.
This shortage was particularly damaging to Washton’s team, which used a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer that required large quantities of helium for its operation. The spectrometer, the only one of its kind in North America, was crucial for studying materials that could play a role in addressing global environmental challenges. One of the team’s most exciting discoveries involved magnesium oxide, which showed promise for removing carbon dioxide directly from the air—a potential breakthrough for combating climate change.
However, the shortage meant the spectrometer had to be shut down, bringing months of research to a standstill. This disruption is a stark reminder of how reliant many industries are on helium, and the serious consequences when supplies run low.
The Hidden Role of Helium in Modern Technology
Helium’s unique properties make it indispensable across several sectors. Its low boiling point—just 4.2 degrees Kelvin—makes it essential for cooling high-tech equipment like MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and even rocket engines. Helium is also used in the aerospace industry to pressurize fuel tanks and cool satellite sensors. These applications make helium far more than just the gas inside balloons.
In fact, hospitals consume a significant portion of the world’s helium—about 32%—to power medical imaging devices like MRIs. The semiconductor industry also relies on helium to manufacture the microchips that are the backbone of modern electronics. Additionally, helium plays a role in industries like welding, deep-sea diving, and airbags in vehicles.
Despite its importance, helium is incredibly scarce. It is found only in small quantities in natural gas deposits and cannot be synthesized artificially. The few companies that extract helium from the earth face logistical challenges, as the gas is difficult to store and transport due to its lightness and ability to escape even tiny openings. Once released into the atmosphere, helium rises and escapes into space.
This scarcity has led to multiple helium shortages over the years, with the most severe one occurring in 2022. Geopolitical events, including fires at Russia’s Amur gas plant and sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, contributed to the crisis. Additionally, maintenance issues at other major helium plants, like the one in Qatar, further exacerbated the situation. By the middle of 2022, prices for helium had nearly doubled compared to five years earlier.
The Economic Impact of Helium Shortages
The 2022 helium crisis wasn’t just a problem for researchers. It had far-reaching consequences for industries worldwide. Medical institutions, semiconductor manufacturers, and aerospace companies all felt the pinch of limited helium availability. The closure of the U.S. National Helium Reserve also worsened the situation, removing about 10% of global helium production from the market.
In June 2024, the situation took another turn when the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve sold its remaining stock to a German company, Messer. This move raised concerns about future supply stability. Industry groups warned that this sale could destabilize the helium market and impact vital services, especially in the medical field.
The Future of Helium: Innovation and Uncertainty
As the demand for helium continues to grow, with projections indicating that it may double by 2035 due to increased use in industries like electric vehicles and space exploration, experts are working on ways to address the looming crisis. Some hospitals are turning to MRI scanners that use less helium, while other industries are exploring alternatives like helium recycling systems to recover and reuse the gas.
Researchers at Mississippi State University, for example, have developed a helium recovery unit that can reclaim up to 90% of used helium annually. While the unit is expensive, costing around $300,000, it could pay for itself within six years.
Another promising development comes from Qatar, which is planning to launch a new helium plant by 2027. Meanwhile, Tanzania has discovered a large helium field and will begin production in 2025. China has also identified new reserves of helium, though the process of extracting and utilizing these deposits is still in its early stages.
A Global Challenge
The challenges surrounding helium supply are not just technical but geopolitical. The U.S. remains the largest producer of helium, but recent disruptions, including the sale of the National Helium Reserve and ongoing geopolitical tensions, have made the global helium market highly volatile. In fact, any major disruption in U.S. helium production would have a significant impact on global supply.
As Washton points out, the scarcity of helium is a critical issue. “Imagine there’s no helium left—and your grandmother can’t get an MRI,” she says. This scenario underscores the urgency of addressing helium supply challenges and developing sustainable solutions.
The helium crisis highlights the vulnerability of industries that rely on this vital gas. Without it, critical technologies in healthcare, research, and space exploration would come to a halt. While solutions like helium recycling and alternative sources are being explored, the situation remains precarious. As the demand for helium continues to grow, the world must take action to secure a reliable and sustainable supply.
