The Global Helium Market 2025-2035

0

cover

cover

  • Published: January 2025
  • Pages: 100
  • Tables: 45
  • Figures: 6

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

The Global Helium Market 2025-2035
The Global Helium Market 2025-2035
PDF via download and email.

The Global Helium Market 2025-2035
The Global Helium Market 2025-2035
PDF and Print Edition (including tracked delivery).

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal, Bank Transfer. To order by Bank Transfer (Invoice) select this option from the payment methods menu after adding to cart, or contact info@futuremarketsinc.com