The World Keeps Running Out of Helium: A Race Against Shortages
Although helium seems like something ordinary—a gas that fills balloons—its reserves on Earth are limited, and the shortage of this element affects entire industries.
The Fragile Supply of Helium
Our lives depend on this extremely light and inert gas, but its reserves remain vulnerable.
Nancy Washton recalls the anxiety she felt when she learned that her helium supply would not arrive. In early 2022, her team оf chemists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suddenly received a message from their supplier stating that the gas would not be delivered. Laboratories had tо cope with a reduced supply. By April, deliveries had dropped tо less than half оf the required 2,500 liters.
Among the equipment requiring helium was a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer—the only one of its kind in North America. It allowed scientists to study atomic structures and had the potential to significantly advance energy storage technologies. Shortly after installation, it revealed that minerals like magnesium oxide could capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But then, work was halted due to a helium shortage.
Where Is Helium Used?
Helium is an inert gas with a low boiling point (-269°C) and low density. It is used in:
- The space industry (cooling satellite instruments, purging rocket engines, pressurizing fuel tanks)
- Medicine (cooling magnets in MRI machines)
- Semiconductor manufacturing and welding
- Filling balloons and airships
- Breathing systems for deep-sea diving
Consequences of a Global Shortage
In 2022, the helium shortage affected not only research but also daily life. Hospitals, the largest helium consumers (32% of the global market), struggled to keep MRI machines operational. Semiconductor production, welding, and the aerospace industry were also impacted.
Helium has unique properties. In its superfluid state, it flows without friction and can even “climb” walls. Unlike hydrogen, it is non-flammable, making it a safe choice for balloons and airships.
Causes of the Shortage
Since 2006, global helium supplies have repeatedly declined. The situation worsened in 2022 due to:
- Fires at a plant in Amur, Russia
- Planned maintenance at a helium plant in Qatar
- The closure of the U.S. National Helium Reserve’s enrichment facility
By 2023, helium prices had reached record highs, nearly doubling over five years. In 2024, EU sanctions against Russia further reduced supply.
The Geopolitical Importance of Helium
The U.S. supplies about 46% of the world’s helium, Qatar 38%, and Algeria 5%. Any disruption in American supplies would impact the global market.
The sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve to the private company Messer has raised concerns among medical and industrial organizations. Analysts predict growing competition for this resource.
New Technologies for Helium Conservation
Rising prices and supply instability have led scientists to develop ways to conserve helium:
- New MRI machines: models using only 1 liter of helium (instead of the standard 2,000 liters) are being developed
- Helium recycling: recovery systems can reduce losses by up to 90%
- Alternative materials: superconductors that do not require extreme cooling are being explored
Future Prospects
By 2027, Qatar plans tо open a new helium production plant. In 2016, the largest helium deposit was discovered іn Tanzania, with production set tо begin іn 2025. This іs the first case where helium іs being extracted intentionally rather than as a byproduct оf natural gas production.
However, global helium supplies remain unstable, making conservation and recycling increasingly essential.
