The US Department of Energy (DOE) has designated helium a critical material, one that is vital to the manufacture of semiconductors and other advanced tech.
The US has been looking for ways to end, or at least lessen, its dependence on foreign minerals and materials for advanced tech. Semiconductors and EV batteries, in particular, are heavily dependent on materials that largely come from China. Given the ongoing trade and political tensions between the US and China, the Trump Administration is trying to lessen that dependence. Helium, which is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, is now part of that effort.
“President Trump is bringing back America’s manufacturing industry, and that means making sure we have the materials needed to build things in America again,” said US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Helium is essential to producing the semiconductors and advanced technologies that power our economy. By designating helium as a critical material, we are taking another step toward securing our supply chains, creating American jobs, and ensuring the United States leads the world in energy and technological innovation.”
The DOE says helium meets the statutory definition of a critical material. This is due to the role it plays in manufacturing, as well as growing supply chain risks. These risks are fueled by the fact that demand is outstripping current production. Given that the US has significant deposits of helium-rich natural gas, but limited refining capacity and lengthy permitting timelines constrain production, it’s not surprising the administration is interested in labeling it a critical material.
“The U.S. Department of Energy is committed to strengthening our country’s supply chain of critical materials that are essential to continued economic and job growth, energy dominance, and U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technologies such as SI and semiconductors,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “Under Secretary Wright’s leadership, DOE is taking decisive action to ensure American manufacturers have reliable access to helium as a critical resource they need.”