From Startup Fortune · · 1m 10s
US Energy Department Adds Helium to Critical Materials List
US Energy Department designates helium as critical for chipmaking after Qatar supply shock.
In brief
US Energy Department designates helium as critical for chipmaking after Qatar supply shock. US Energy Department added helium to critical materials list to address supply chain risks after Iranian strikes damaged Qatar's helium plant. Originally reported by Startup Fortune.
Helium Designated Critical Material
US Energy Department added helium to critical materials list under Energy Act of 2020.
“helium becomes the 20th material on that list”
Qatar Helium Plant Strike Impact
Iranian missile strikes damaged qatar's helium plant in march 2026, cutting exports by 14%.
“qatarge energy cut its annual helium exports by 14%”
Helium's Role in Chipmaking
Helium cools superconducting magnets in mri machines and carries heat from silicon wafers during fabrication.
“it carries heat away from silicon wafers during fabrication”
US Helium Production Decline
US helium production fell from 82 million cubic meters in 2020 to 68 million cubic meters in 2024.
“us domestic helium production fell from roughly 82 million cubic meters in 2020 to about 68 million cubic meters in 2024”
Avanti Helium Lobbying
Avanti Helium Corp petitioned federal government since september 2025 to add helium to critical list.
“avanti helium corp had been petitioning the federal government since september 2025”
Desert Mountain Energy Expansion
Desert Mountain Energy added 12,219 acres of helium leases in arizona's holbrook basin in june 2026.
“desert mountain energy has spent 2026 expanding its footprint in arizona's holbrook basin”
Qatar Repair Timeline
QatarEnergy estimates repairs for helium plant take three to five years.
“qatarge energy told customers repairs could take three to five years”
Critical Materials Benefits
Designation opens federal financing for producers and faster permits for helium projects.
“a critical material designation under the energy act of 2020 opens the door to federal financing support for producers”
The short version
US Energy Department added helium to critical materials list to address supply chain risks after Iranian strikes damaged Qatar's helium plant.
