Summary

The global helium market is experiencing significant transformation driven by shifting supply dynamics and evolving demand patterns. Current market conditions reflect a complex interplay between traditional and emerging applications, with the semiconductor industry emerging as the dominant consumer, accounting for approximately 24% of global demand. This shift represents a notable change from historical patterns where cryogenic applications, particularly in medical imaging, dominated consumption. Supply constraints continue to shape market dynamics, with major producing regions including the United States, Qatar, and Algeria facing various challenges. The U.S. Federal Helium Reserve's diminishing role has accelerated the transition to a more commercially driven market structure, while Qatar's expansion through LNG projects represents a significant shift in global supply patterns. Russian projects, particularly the Amur facility, face ongoing development challenges that impact their contribution to global supply.

Current global production capacity stands at approximately 175 million cubic meters annually, with demand closely matching supply. This tight market balance has maintained upward pressure on prices, with some regions experiencing significant volatility during supply disruptions. The market has shown increasing regional variation in pricing and availability, reflecting the challenges in global distribution and storage of this critical gas. Looking toward the future, demand is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5-6% through 2035, driven primarily by semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing applications, and emerging technologies. The semiconductor industry's expansion, particularly in Asia, is expected to increase its share of global consumption to over 30% by 2030. This growth creates additional pressure on supply chains and emphasizes the need for new production sources.

New helium projects under development in Canada, Tanzania, and South Africa offer potential supply diversification, though development timelines remain extended. These projects typically target higher helium concentrations in nitrogen-rich gas streams, potentially offering more economical production compared to traditional natural gas-based extraction. Conservation and recycling technologies are becoming increasingly critical, with major users implementing sophisticated recovery systems achieving efficiency rates exceeding 95%. This trend is particularly evident in the medical imaging sector, where new technologies have significantly reduced helium consumption per unit.

Market forecasts indicate potential supply constraints by 2035 unless significant new production capacity is developed. The projected demand of 202 million cubic meters by 2035 will require substantial investment in both production and conservation technologies. Price expectations remain bullish, with continued upward pressure likely to drive further investment in conservation technologies and alternative solutions where feasible.

Strategic considerations are increasingly influencing market dynamics, with countries viewing helium supply security as crucial for high-technology industries. This has prompted increased government involvement in resource development and strategic stockpiling initiatives. The market continues to evolve with improved recovery technologies, emerging applications, and shifting supply patterns shaping its future development.

The Global Helium Market 2025-2035 provides an in-depth analysis of the global helium market, examining key trends, supply challenges, and emerging applications from 2025 to 2035. The report addresses critical aspects of the helium industry, including production, supply chain dynamics, end-user applications, and technological developments in conservation and recycling. Report contents include:

• Key Growth Drivers and Trends
• Supply and Production Analysis
• Market Segmentation and Applications
• Technological Developments
• Conservation and Recycling
• Alternative Technologies
• Supply Chain Analysis
  • Extraction and separation technologies
  • Transportation and storage requirements
  • Distribution networks
  • Supply security considerations
• Market Challenges and Opportunities
• Growth Opportunities
  • New production regions
  • Technology development
  • Conservation systems
  • Alternative applications
• Regional Analysis
• Market Forecasts and Projections
  • Production capacity projections
  • Demand growth by application
  • Regional market development
  • Price trend analysis
• Competitive Landscape
  • Major industrial gas companies
  • Specialized helium producers
  • Technology providers. Companies profiled include Air Liquide, Air Products, Blue Star Helium, BlueFors, Bruker, Cincinnati Test Systems, Desert Mountain Energy Corp., Evonik Industries AG, First Helium, Generon, Helium One Global Ltd., HeLIX Exploration PLC, Hybrid Air Vehicles, IACX Energy, iSpace Inc., Linde, Mendel Helium, Mosman Oil & Gas, New Era Helium, North American Helium, Pulsar Helium and more. Plus lists of helium-based suppliers in Cryogenics, Semiconductor and fiber optic manufacturing processes, Leak Detection and Testing, Lifting Applications, Imaging, Helium separation technologies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy.
• Technology Assessment
  • Separation methods
  • Conservation systems
  • Alternative technologies
  • Future developments
• Regulatory Environment
• Investment Analysis

This comprehensive report provides essential insights for companies operating in or considering entry into the helium market. It combines detailed market analysis with practical implementation guidance, supporting strategic decision-making through 2035. The report's extensive coverage makes it an invaluable resource for:

• Industry executives
• Market strategists
• Technology developers
• Investment analysts
• Policy makers

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Table of Contents

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 12

1.1 Key Market Trends 12
1.2 Helium Consumption 14
1.2.1 Historical (2016-2023) 14
1.3 Global Helium Resources, by Region 15
1.4 Helium Production Supply Chain 16
1.4.1 Supply Challenges 17
1.4.2 Manufacturing dependence on reliable helium 17
1.4.3 Semiconductor industry's reliance on helium 18
1.4.4 Separation technologies 18
1.5 Technology Readiness Level 18
1.6 Reducing Helium Requirements 19
1.6.1 MRI Systems 19
1.6.2 Superconductor technology 20
1.6.3 Recapture and Recycling Systems 20
1.7 Growing market demand for Helium 21

2 INTRODUCTION 24

2.1 Overview 24
2.1.1 Helium Characteristics 24
2.1.2 Global Resources and Production 24
2.1.3 Major Global Helium Production Sites 25
2.2 Applications 26
2.2.1 Semiconductors 26
2.2.2 Cryogenics 26
2.2.3 Aerospace 27
2.2.4 Semiconductor and fiber optic manufacturing processes 27
2.2.5 Welding 27
2.2.6 Deep-Sea Diving 27
2.2.7 Leak Detection and Testing 27
2.2.8 Lifting Applications 28
2.2.9 Critical Raw Materials 28

3 HELIUM PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY 29

3.1 Supply 29
3.2 Helium production 29
3.2.1 Natural formation of helium 30
3.2.2 Helium-3 31
3.2.3 Impact of facility downtime 32
3.2.4 Global Helium Production Capacity 32
3.2.4.1 Historical 32
3.2.4.2 Forecast 33
3.2.5 US Helium Production 33
3.2.6 Emerging Helium Production Regions 35
3.3 Helium exploration 35
3.3.1 Commercial exploration examples 36
3.4 Helium separation technologies 37
3.4.1 Main technologies 37
3.4.2 Hollow fiber membranes 38
3.4.3 Commercial examples 39
3.4.4 Companies 40
3.5 Helium production and supply industry 40

4 MARKETS FOR HELIUM 43

4.1 Total Global Helium Demand 44
4.2 Production capacity 45
4.3 Helium in manufacturing 46
4.4 Semiconductor manufacturing 47
4.4.1 Overview 47
4.4.2 Properties 49
4.4.3 Reclamation 49
4.4.4 Helium Demand Forecast 50
4.5 Fiber Optics 51
4.5.1 Overview 51
4.5.2 Conservation and reclamation technology 52
4.6 Leak Testing 53
4.6.1 Overview 53
4.6.2 Trace gas leak testing 54
4.6.3 Sniffer and accumulation testing methods 54
4.6.4 Helium recycling systems 55
4.6.5 Commercial examples 55
4.6.6 Leak testing in Automotive manufacturing processes and components 56
4.6.7 HVAC systems 57
4.6.8 Thermal management systems 57
4.6.9 Companies 58
4.6.10 Helium Demand Forecast 58
4.7 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 59
4.7.1 Overview 59
4.7.2 Reduced helium dependence 60
4.7.2.1 Low Temperature Superconducting (LTS) MRI systems 60
4.7.2.2 MRI magnets 60
4.7.2.3 Helium-Free Low-field MRI systems 61
4.7.2.4 MgB2 and High-Temperature Superconductors 61
4.7.2.5 Metamaterials 62
4.7.3 Companies 63
4.7.4 Helium Demand Forecast 63
4.8 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy 64
4.8.1 Overview 64
4.8.2 Recapture and Recycling 64
4.8.3 High-Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet technology 64
4.8.4 Reduced helium dependence 65
4.8.5 Commercial examples 65
4.8.6 Companies 66
4.9 Quantum Computing 67
4.9.1 Overview 67
4.9.2 He-3 and He-4 in Milli-Kelvin Cooling 68
4.9.3 Helium Demand Forecast 68
4.10 Liquefying Hydrogen 69
4.10.1 Overview 69
4.11 Lifting Gas 70
4.11.1 Overview 70
4.11.2 Companies 71
4.11.3 Helium Demand Forecast 72
4.12 Chemical Analysis using Gas Chromatography 72
4.12.1 Overview 72
4.13 Aerospace 74
4.13.1 Overview 74
4.14 Nuclear reactor cooling 75
4.14.1 Overview 75

5 HELIUM SUBSTITUTES AND RECLAMATION 76

5.1 Overview 76
5.2 Management of helium resources 76
5.3 Helium reclamation systems 76
5.3.1 Helium reclamation systems for cryogenic applications 77
5.4 Companies 78
5.5 Forecast for Helium Substitutes and Reclamation 78

6 COMPANY PROFILES 80 (25 company profiles)

7 REFERENCES 97

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List of Tables/Graphs

List of Tables

Table 1. Key Helium Market Trends. 13
Table 2. Helium Consumption by End-Use Markets: 2016-2023 (Million Cubic Meters). 14
Table 3. Global Helium Resources by Region. 16
Table 4. Technology Readiness of Helium Reclamation in Key Markets. 18
Table 5. Adoption of Reclamation for Leak Testing and Cryogenic Applications (2024-2035). 21
Table 6. Global Helium Demand Segmented by Application (2023-2035). 21
Table 7. Helium Production Capacity and Demand Forecast (2024-2035). 23
Table 8. Global Resources and Production. 24
Table 9. Major Global Helium Production Sites. 25
Table 10. Cryogenic Applications of Helium. 26
Table 11. Helium Supply Challenges. 29
Table 12. Helium Production and Separation Processes. 30
Table 13. Helium Supply Chain and Separation Processes. 31
Table 14. Global Helium Production Capacity (2005-2022). 32
Table 15. Forecast for Yearly Global Helium Production Capacity (2020-2035). 33
Table 16. Forecast for Share of Yearly Global Helium Production Capacity (2020-2035). 33
Table 17. US Helium Production (2000-2023). 34
Table 18. Main Active Helium Extraction and Processing Facilities in the US. 34
Table 19. Helium Exploration and Sourcing Projects. 36
Table 20. Helium Separation Technologies. 37
Table 21. Hollow Fiber Membrane Types for Helium Separation. 38
Table 22. Helium Separation Technologies Companies 40
Table 23. Helium Production and Supply Company Landscape. 41
Table 24. Markets and applications for Helium. 43
Table 25. Total Global Helium Demand Segmented by Application (2023-2035). 44
Table 26. Share of Total Yearly Helium Demand by Application (%). 45
Table 27. Forecast for Helium Production Capacity (2020-2035). 45
Table 28. Comparison of Helium Production Capacity and Demand Forecast (2024-2035). 46
Table 29. Semiconductor Industry Helium Applications. 48
Table 30. Technology Readiness of Helium Reclamation. 49
Table 31. Rare Gas Reclamation Technologies 50
Table 32. Helium Demand Forecast for Semiconductor and Fiber Optic Manufacturing (2023-2035). 51
Table 33. Applications of Helium in Fiber Optic Manufacturing. 51
Table 34. Companies in helium leak testing. 58
Table 35. Helium Demand Forecast for Leak Testing in Manufacturing (2023-2035). 58
Table 36. Companies in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologies. 63
Table 37. Helium Demand Forecast for MRI Applications (2023-2035). 64
Table 38. Companies in NMR Spectroscopy Technologies. 66
Table 39. Helium (He-4) Demand Forecast for Quantum Computing (2024-2035). 68
Table 40. Helium (He-3) Demand Forecast for Quantum Computing (2024-2035). 69
Table 41. Types of Hydrogen Liquefaction Cycles & Refrigerants. 69
Table 42. Companies in Helium Lifting Gas Applications. 71
Table 43. Global Helium Demand Forecast for Lifting Gas (2023-2035)/ 72
Table 44. Helium Reclamation Systems for Cryogenic Applications. 77
Table 45. Helium Conservation and Reclamation Technologies by Company. 78

List of Figures

Figure 1. Helium Consumption by End-Use: 2016-2023 (Million Cubic Meters). 15
Figure 2. Supply Chain for Helium Production. 16
Figure 3. Global Helium Demand Segmented by Application (2023-2035). 22
Figure 4. Total Yearly Global Helium Demand Segmented by Application (2023-2035). 44
Figure 5. Forecast for Helium Production Capacity (2020-2035). 46
Figure 6. Helium Demand Forecast for Leak Testing in Manufacturing (2023-2035). 59