Helium, an often overlooked yet vital resource, is on the brink of a crisis. This incredible gas finds its way into countless modern applications, from essential medical devices and spacecraft to deep-sea exploration gear. Yet, its supplies hang by a thread.

A Frightening Reality for Researchers

Take Nancy Washton, a chemist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), for example. When her helium supplier began cutting back on deliveries, it nearly halted her research. In 2022, she was forced to shut down a critical nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a potent tool for scientific exploration.

Why Helium Matters

Helium is essential due to its remarkably low boiling point of approximately -452 °F, enabling it to cool superconducting magnets in MRI machines and advanced electronic devices. Unlike many gases, helium is non-reactive and extremely lightweight, using it for everything from filling balloons to airbags in vehicles. However, its lightweight nature means it can easily escape into space, making recovery nearly impossible and dependent on challenging extraction processes from deep within the Earth.

Impact on Research Labs and Costs

Currently, many research laboratories like PNNL are living off stored helium. Prices can soar to as high as $55 per liter for liquid helium, straining research budgets and forcing labs to mothball critical instruments. To cope, some institutions have invested in expensive recovery systems that can recycle boiled-off helium, but this comes at a significant cost—particularly for smaller labs.

Healthcare Faces a Helium Shortage Too

Hospitals consume approximately one-third of the global helium supply, primarily to cool MRI scanner magnets. Any disruption in the helium supply chain could delay vital scans, affecting patient care. Fortunately, newer MRI models are being developed that use less helium, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis.

Rising Demand Amidst Declining Supplies

The heat is on—global helium demand is projected to double by 2035 due to its crucial role in semiconductor and electric vehicle battery manufacturing. Yet, no large-scale artificial production methods exist, and natural production remains exceedingly slow.

Scrambling for Solutions

To address the looming crisis, natural gas exporters are racing against the clock to tap new reserves. Positive news comes from Tanzania, where a massive helium field is expected to start production in 2025, marking a significant shift away from fossil fuel reliance for helium extraction. Qatar is also expected to launch a new helium plant by 2027, further easing market fears.

A Call to Action

Nevertheless, experts like Oxford’s Christopher Ballentine caution that developing these new reserves could take considerable time and investment. The global helium market was already volatile, and the sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve to a private company in 2024 has raised additional concerns about future stability.

Time is of the Essence

Washton sounds an urgent alarm: the world must act now. If helium shortages become widespread, the consequences could impact everything from routine hospital checks to advanced electronics production. The key will be effective recycling and innovative technologies that utilize helium more efficiently.

As the race to secure helium heats up, there’s hope that new discoveries, advanced machinery, and recycling initiatives will stave off disaster. Yet, the need for this rare gas means every drop must be preserved, setting the stage for a crucial battle for our future resources.