Helium Gas Market Analysis and Forecast to 2035: Type, Product, Application, End User, Technology, Component, Form, Process, Equipment

Helium Gas Market is anticipated to expand from $5.9 billion in 2025 to $10.5 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of approximately 5.7%. The world's top 7 helium production and reserves countries include the United States, Algeria, Australia, Canada, Poland, Qatar, and Russia. The US helium gas reserves include total 8,500, Algeria 1,800, Poland 24, Qatar Large, and Russia 1,700. The helium gas production in 2023 includes the US accounting 60, Algeria 10, Australia 1, Canada 4, Poland 3, Qatar 66, Russia 8.

Segment Overview

Based on application, the market for helium gas is segmented as cryogenics, pressurizing & purging, welding & metal fabrication, leak detection, controlled atmospheres, breathing mixtures, lifting gas, and others. The cryogenics segment will account maximum revenue and share for the helium gas market during the forecast period. The rise of quantum computing and ongoing particle physics research have heightened the demand for helium in cryogenic applications. Helium is essential for maintaining the ultra-low temperatures required for quantum computers and particle accelerators. Institutions like CERN rely on liquid helium to cool their Large Hadron Collider's superconducting magnets. As quantum technologies advance, the need for helium in cryogenics is expected to grow, underscoring its importance in cutting-edge scientific endeavors.

On the other hand, the supply mode segment is segregated as cylinders, bulk & micro tanks, and on-site. The cylinders segment will account for fastest growing CAGR for the helium gas market during the forecast period. Helium cylinders allow portable and efficient means to store and transport the gas to the end-user. A significant driver for the cylinder supply segment is rising demand in the semiconductor industry, which relies on the gas for cooling and inert properties when producing chips. The medical sector, like MRI machines for cooling, comprises respiratory treatments, which require reliable cylinders to be supplied into medical facilities. Also, the aerospace industry uses helium to purge and pressurize systems, thus increasing demand for cylinders-based distribution. Therefore, the aforementioned factors are responsible for recording highest growth for helium gas market during the forecast period

Geographical Overview

North America will account highest revenue and share for the helium gas market during the forecast period North America will record 38.2% market share for the helium gas in 2024. North American helium market is poised for growth, aided by new operations and ongoing developments in helium extraction from both natural gas and non-hydrocarbon sources. As global demand increases, North America will continue to be a critical player in meeting the growing need for helium worldwide. Additionally, several plants contribute to this production process: Five plants in Texas and Kansas extract helium from natural gas, producing crude helium with concentrations ranging from 50% to 80%. Nine plants in states such as Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Utah are involved in producing gaseous helium, while five additional plants in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming focus on extracting helium from natural gas to produce Grade-A helium. Additionally, four plants in Kansas and Oklahoma purify crude helium sourced from other producers and the Bureau of Land Management pipeline to Grade-A helium. The aforementioned factors are responsible for positive growth of helium gas in North America regional market.

Europe will hold the second largest share for helium gas market during the forecast period Firstly, the increased demand in medical and healthcare applications is driving the European regional growth. Helium is essential for medical imaging, especially in MRI machines, where it cools superconducting magnets. The demand for medical imaging services has increased in Europe due to a growing aging population and higher incidences of chronic diseases. This trend has boosted helium consumption in the healthcare sector. For example, helium is critical in maintaining the functionality of MRI machines in hospitals across Europe. Further, Europe's investment in scientific research, especially in particle accelerators such as CERN in Switzerland, drives significant helium demand. These facilities use helium to cool superconducting magnets in experiments, and with ongoing advancements in research, the demand for helium continues to rise. CERN is one of the largest consumers of helium in Europe, highlighting its role in cutting-edge scientific endeavors.

Asia Pacific will account fastest growing CAGR for helium gas market during the forecast period The Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, has become a global hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Helium plays a crucial role in these industries, being used in processes such as cooling, leak detection, and as a protective atmosphere during semiconductor fabrication. The increasing demand for electronic devices and advancements in technology have led to a surge in helium consumption. Additionally, the healthcare sector in the Asia-Pacific region is expanding rapidly, driven by population growth, urbanization, and increased access to medical services. Helium is essential in medical applications, particularly in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, where it is used to cool superconducting magnets. As healthcare infrastructure improves and the demand for advanced diagnostic tools rises, the consumption of helium in this sector is also increasing. Hospitals and diagnostic centers across the region are investing in MRI technology, thereby bolstering the helium market.

The Latin America helium gas market is expected to decline during the forecast period, due to the limited production of helium gas in the region and higher dependence on imports, which is highly susceptible to global supply chain disruptions. However, the growing healthcare sector in Latin America is expected to drive the demand for helium gas in applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and respiratory treatments. Companies like Air Liquide and Linde managed to develop operations in Latin America with a purpose to meet for emerging demands for industrial and medical gases. However, the short nature of helium reserves and heavy reliance on imports in the region signal a serious necessity for the development of local helium resources and investment in effective extraction technology to ensure stable deliveries.

The Middle East has experienced significant growth in helium production due to a combination of abundant natural gas reserves, advancements in technology, and increasing global demand for helium in various high-tech industries. Helium, which is mainly extracted from natural gas, is a crucial element in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and medical applications like MRI scanning. The region's vast natural gas fields, especially in countries like Qatar and Oman, have allowed companies to tap into substantial helium reserves. For example, QatarEnergy is progressing with the construction of a helium plant set to be operational by 2027, aligning with its broader strategy to significantly boost natural gas production and diversify its non-hydrocarbon revenue. The plant is expected to produce around 5,000 tonnes of helium per day, contributing to the growing demand for the gas globally. The expansion of helium-related infrastructure and technology in the region is expected to provide a reliable and secure supply of helium, which is increasingly sought after for its critical role in emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and clean energy initiatives. The strategic positioning of countries like Qatar, coupled with significant investments in helium production, ensures that the Middle East will continue to grow as a key player in the global helium market in the coming years.

Key Trends and Drivers

Market Trend

Helium's Expanding Role in Space Exploration and Lunar Mining for Helium-3

The global helium gas market is poised for significant growth, driven by its crucial role in advancing space exploration technologies and the emerging potential of lunar mining. As space missions increase, helium is becoming indispensable, especially in cryogenic fuel systems used for rocket launches and satellite technologies. Its non-flammable nature and ability to remain liquid at ultra-low temperatures make helium essential for maintaining tank pressure during space missions. As plans for lunar bases and Mars missions unfold, the demand for helium is expected to rise, highlighting the need for sustainable sources to meet this growing demand. The limited supply of helium, primarily derived from natural gas extraction, presents a challenge, but new projects are emerging to address this supply gap, particularly as private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin push for more space exploration endeavors. The aforementioned factors act as a significant market trend for the helium gas during the forecast period

Market Drivers

Increasing Demand in Healthcare and Medical Technology

The growing demand for helium in healthcare and medical technology is one of the key drivers of the global helium gas market. Helium is indispensable in the healthcare sector, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, where it plays a critical role in cooling the superconducting magnets. The use of helium in cryogenic cooling systems ensures that MRI machines maintain the ultra-low temperatures necessary for their optimal performance. This application is not only crucial for imaging but also for preserving biological samples in medical research and supporting breathing mixtures for patients with respiratory issues. As medical technologies advance, helium's unique properties, such as its low density and ability to cool effectively, continue to drive its demand. Healthcare technology also benefits from helium's excellent cooling properties. Medical instruments, including MRI scanners, increasingly rely on helium to enhance performance and ensure reliability. Moreover, the use of helium in respiratory medicine, such as in helium-oxygen mixtures, is becoming essential for patients with obstructed airways, further demonstrating its importance in critical medical interventions. The aforementioned factors are responsible for driving the market growth for helium gas during the forecast period

Environmental Compliance, Safety, and Advanced Leak Detection Technology

As industries worldwide intensify efforts to meet stringent environmental regulations, the demand for helium is experiencing significant growth. Industries are increasingly focusing on reducing harmful gas emissions, with helium leak testing becoming crucial in this endeavor. Helium, with its inert, non-toxic properties, is the preferred tracer gas for non-destructive testing (NDT) due to its ability to detect even the smallest leaks. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and power generation rely on helium to ensure product integrity while adhering to environmental safety standards. This growing emphasis on safety and compliance is expected to drive helium demand, particularly in leak testing applications. Additionally, SGS, a leading Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) provider, offers comprehensive support for these NDT activities, ensuring compliance and quality through tailored testing procedures and expertise in advanced NDT methods. Furthermore, advanced leak detection technologies are critical in driving the helium market. Agilent's range of helium leak detection solutions, including Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors (HLD) and portable sniffers, ensures the stability and performance of systems in research, vacuum, and industrial processes.

Research Scope

• Estimates and forecasts the overall market size across type, application, and region.
• Provides detailed information and key takeaways on qualitative and quantitative trends, dynamics, business framework, competitive landscape, and company profiling.
• Identifies factors influencing market growth and challenges, opportunities, drivers, and restraints.
• Identifies factors that could limit company participation in international markets to help calibrate market share expectations and growth rates.
• Evaluates key development strategies like acquisitions, product launches, mergers, collaborations, business expansions, agreements, partnerships, and R&D activities.
• Analyzes smaller market segments strategically, focusing on their potential, growth patterns, and impact on the overall market.
• Outlines the competitive landscape, assessing business and corporate strategies to monitor and dissect competitive advancements.\n\nOur research scope provides comprehensive market data, insights, and analysis across a variety of critical areas. We cover Local Market Analysis, assessing consumer demographics, purchasing behaviors, and market size within specific regions to identify growth opportunities. Our Local Competition Review offers a detailed evaluation of competitors, including their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. We also conduct Local Regulatory Reviews to ensure businesses comply with relevant laws and regulations. Industry Analysis provides an in-depth look at market dynamics, key players, and trends. Additionally, we offer Cross-Segmental Analysis to identify synergies between different market segments, as well as Production-Consumption and Demand-Supply Analysis to optimize supply chain efficiency. Our Import-Export Analysis helps businesses navigate global trade environments by evaluating trade flows and policies. These insights empower clients to make informed strategic decisions, mitigate risks, and capitalize on market opportunities.