The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Oct. 23, 2026, that Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020.
Role in semiconductor manufacturing
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), helium meets the statutory definition of a critical material due to its essential role in domestic manufacturing and its growing exposure to supply chain risks.
The agency stated that helium's unique properties make it indispensable to semiconductor production, with no viable substitutes in many critical applications.
Supply risks and production constraints
Global demand for helium is currently growing faster than production, which increases supply risks for American manufacturers, according to the DOE.
Although the United States holds significant domestic deposits of helium-rich natural gas to support industrial demand, the department noted that limited refining capacity and lengthy permitting timelines continue to constrain U.S. production.
Government response
Secretary Wright stated that helium is essential to producing semiconductors and advanced technologies that power the economy, adding that the critical material designation will help secure supply chains, support American jobs, and maintain leadership in energy and technology.
Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson said the department is taking action to ensure domestic manufacturers maintain reliable access to helium for critical technologies.
Key facts and where they come from
- Secretary of Energy Chris Wright designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020.
designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020.
- Helium has no viable substitutes in many critical semiconductor manufacturing applications.
Helium's unique properties make it indispensable to semiconductor production, with no viable substitutes in many critical applications.
- Global helium demand is outpacing production, driving up supply chain risks.
Global demand for helium is growing faster than production, increasing supply risks for American manufacturers.
- U.S. helium production is limited by refining capacity and permitting delays despite domestic natural gas deposits.
limited refining capacity and lengthy permitting timelines continue to constrain U.S. production.
