Helium has become a critical resource in modern life, utilized in hospitals, spacecraft, electronics manufacturing, and scientific equipment. However, its supply is highly unstable, evidenced by Nancy Washington, a chemist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), having to shut down nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers in 2022 due to supplier cutbacks.
Helium’s unique low boiling point (-452°F) is vital for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI scanners and other sensitive devices. Its inert nature makes it non-reactive, and its lightweight property makes it useful in weather balloons. Unfortunately, helium leaks into space over time, complicating its capture. Current supplies come from deep earth excavations, primarily as a byproduct of natural gas extraction.
Research institutions are facing challenges, with some installing expensive recovery systems to reuse helium, highlighting the financial strain on smaller facilities. The healthcare sector, which consumes about a third of the global helium market, particularly relies on stable supply for MRI scans.
Global helium demand is projected to double by 2035 due to its increasing use in semiconductor and electric vehicle battery production. However, artificial helium generation remains nonexistent, and supply disruptions can arise from maintenance issues or geopolitical conflicts. Qatar, Algeria, and the U.S. are key suppliers, but risks remain.
New helium reserves, like a large field discovered in Tanzania expected to begin production in 2025, could improve the situation. Additionally, Qatar plans to launch a new helium factory by 2027. Despite these efforts, experts caution about the challenges of logistics and funding.
The U.S. government has historically maintained strategic helium reserves, but recent privatization in 2024 has raised concerns about market stability. Washington warns that worsening helium shortages could impact essential services like hospital scans and semiconductor production. Stakeholders hope that new fields, smaller MRI machines, and recycling efforts will mitigate shortages, but finding viable alternatives remains a challenge.
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