In 1903, the town of Dexter, Kansas, celebrated the drilling of a natural gas well. Residents were excited to see the well light up with what officials called “a great pillar of flame.” However, when they rolled a burning bale of hay onto the well, nothing happened. A later study revealed that the gas was mostly nitrogen, with only a small percentage being methane and even less helium—a newly discovered element at that time. This discovery marked the beginning of the helium industry, which flourished during World War I. Helium-filled airships were far safer than those filled with hydrogen, which would explode upon being shot down.
Interestingly, helium is the second-most-abundant element in the universe but is rare on Earth. It forms when uranium and thorium decay, which takes millions of years. Since replenishing helium takes much longer than using it up, it is considered a nonrenewable resource.
Today, helium plays a crucial role in various fields, from MRI machines to rocket propulsion. Yet, the soaring demand has led to a global shortage that has lasted over a decade. To make matters worse, extracting helium also leaves a significant carbon footprint, comparable to that of a country.
Recent advances in geology have ignited hope. Researchers have discovered “primary, carbon-free” helium reservoirs in various global locations—from Yellowstone National Park to Tanzania. These discoveries could help meet demand and lessen the environmental impact of extraction methods.
Thomas Abraham-James, CEO of Pulsar Helium, a company focusing on exploring these new sources, mentioned that they’re starting to find accumulations of helium in places where it was never previously thought possible.
After World War I, helium discoveries surged, with the U.S. becoming the leading global producer. Initially, the gas was captured as a minor byproduct in natural gas fields. This correlation remains today; however, extracting helium along with natural gas is not without its challenges. The amount of helium in natural gas is often minimal, complicating the extraction process. In fact, only about one in six U.S. natural gas reservoirs has helium levels above the 0.3% threshold considered economically viable.
Explorers have found significant helium levels in Tanzania, sparking interest worldwide. New seismic surveys have identified regions high in helium concentration without the presence of hydrocarbons. This shifts the way companies approach helium extraction and exploration.
Notably, geologists have outlined key conditions for forming helium reservoirs without natural gas. First, the rocks below must contain uranium or thorium, which generate helium over time. Secondly, there needs to be a source of heat—often volcanic activity—that allows the helium to escape from its mineral host. Third, nitrogen must be present to transport helium to the surface. Fourth, there should be airtight caps above these reservoirs to trap the gas. Finally, porous rocks below help store the helium.
Countries like Qatar and Algeria now play significant roles in global helium production, raising concerns about geopolitical instability affecting supply. Finding new helium-rich regions, such as those identified in Minnesota and Greenland, is crucial, especially as shortages persist due to heavy demand.
Nicholas Fitzkee, a chemistry professor at Mississippi State University, believes boosting domestic helium supplies would shield the U.S. from geopolitical tensions affecting access. He also advocates for improving recycling technologies or alternative materials to reduce helium consumption across various applications.
Ultimately, we face the challenge that helium is non-renewable, and merely increasing extraction won’t suffice in the long run. Balancing discovery with sustainable practices is essential for a stable supply in the future.
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