New Helium Reserve May Divert Global Shortage

Not many people think helium, a colorless, odorless, low-density element, is an important part of everyday life, but it is actually a valuable resource. Helium is used in MRI scanners, computer chips, medical lasers, military aircraft, and, of course, balloons. Unfortunately, though, with the world currently consuming resources at an unsustainable level, helium accessibility levels are set on a path of very disheartening decline.

The U.S. National Helium Reserve, an American facility which manages much of the world’s helium supply, is 1.4 billion dollars in debt, and the stored helium is rapidly being depleted. If the government fails to enlarge its helium supply, it will no longer be able to sell the element.

One reason for this alarming shortage is that the natural process forming helium is simply impossible to replicate artificially. Helium is formed over billions of years due to the radioactive decay of elements uranium and thorium. Furthermore, helium is comprised of extraordinarily small atoms, which means it will slowly leak out of any container, and once it has escaped into the atmosphere, it can only be recollected at exorbitant prices. The only way to keep helium on the market is finding reserves such as United States’ reserve, which is becoming more feasible due to new technology that allows for extensive and accurate data collection.

In a fortunate turn of events, an underground cache of approximately 54 billion ft3 of helium, equal to one-third of the world’s supply, was discovered in Tanzania late last year. However, it was recently found that the original methods used to calculate the amount of helium were flawed, and that the supply is actually twice as large as was believed. Rather than 54 billion ft3, the world will soon have access to 98 billion ft3 of helium.

This particular reserve, located in Tanzania’s Rift Valley Region, is perfectly situated for collecting helium, as large amounts of helium are released from nearby volcanic action. In the summer of 2018, drilling will begin in that area, and in 2020, helium from that exact spot should be on the market.

Although the 98 billion ft3 of helium is a very welcome surprise, it will not last forever. In the meantime, it is crucial that a sustainable way of using helium or even an alternative to the element is devised. As with every resource, it is important that people try to reduce their consumption as much as possible. It might not seem like individuals are able to make a large impact on the world with all the problems that humanity currently has to deal with. However, if everyone realized the current shortage and made a meaningful effort to limit their helium consumption (for example, not using helium for balloons at parties), it is possible that the new helium reserve could support us for a long time.