What is helium and why is it important?
Helium is a rare, non-renewable noble gas that plays a critical role in modern industry, technology, and healthcare. As the second lightest element that’s colourless, odourless, tasteless, and chemically inert, helium is essential in applications where other gases would be unsuitable.
Helium’s key characteristics, including extremely low reactivity, and a very low boiling point, make it invaluable for diverse applications, from inflating balloons, cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines, and as a protective atmosphere in welding and manufacturing.
The market is anticipated to grow on increasing usage of helium in various high tech applications given its unique attributes.
These include: cryogenics, welding, inert atmospheres, electronics, lifting, pressure & purging, hybrid vehicles and helium-filled hard drives.
- MRI 30%
- Lifting Gas 17%
- Analytical Labatory 14%
- Welding 9%
- Engineering Science 6%
- Semiconductor Manufacture 5%
- Leak detection 5%
- Hard Drives & Tech 16%
Key Uses of Helium
Medical imaging
Helium is crucial for cooling the superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, making modern medical diagnostics possible.
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Used in the production of microchips, helium helps ensure the precision and stability required for high-performance electronics.
Space exploration
NASA and other space agencies rely on helium to purge and pressurize rocket fuel systems.
Cryogenics and scientific research
Helium enables experiments at ultra-low temperatures, essential for quantum computing and particle physics.
Leak detection and industrial uses
Due to its small atomic size, helium is ideal for testing the integrity of high-performance equipment, such as nuclear reactors and high-pressure systems.
Production and supply
Helium is primarily extracted as a byproduct of natural gas production, with major global reserves located in the United States, Qatar, and Russia. Supply constraints and increasing demand have led to price volatility, making helium an attractive investment opportunity.
Market potential
With helium shortages affecting industries worldwide, securing stable sources has become a strategic priority. The demand for helium is expected to rise significantly as advancements in healthcare, space exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing accelerate.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is a critical component of the global transition toward clean energy