Helium
Sustainable helium: 45-8 ENERGY's ecoresponsible approach to this strategic resource
A rare and valuable strategic resource
Helium is a gas with the chemical formula “He.” This gas is a strategic resource in our modern world, as it is essential in key sectors such as healthcare, scientific research, advanced electronics, and aerospace. Thanks to its unique properties — inert, extremely light, and with a very low liquefaction temperature — it is irreplaceable in many applications, so much so that a fragile supply — as evidenced by recurring shortages since 2012 — has unprecedented consequences.
Our mission: securing access to a strategic resource
At 45-8 ENERGY, we are developing a unique and sustainable approach to helium production in Europe with:
The production and distribution of low-carbon native European helium
Recycling used helium and returning it to the market to extend its lifespan
Why take such an approach?
Deposits of helium and production sites are limited and concentrated in a few regions of the world (the United States, Qatar, Algeria, Poland, and Russia).
The demand for helium continues to grow due to its increasing number of uses, particularly in new technologies.
Europe’s dependence is high, as it imports 100% of its needs in 2024.
Helium extraction is frequently associated with natural gas production, which is incompatible with the energy transition.
Responsible helium production
Helium production in Europe: a major innovation
We explore and produce natural helium deposits in France and Germany. This production:
- Is done locally
- Uses modern techniques with a low environmental impact
- Allows for complete traceability of the resource (operator, producer, and distributor)
RECYCL'He: our solution for recycling helium
Because helium is too valuable to be released into the atmosphere after use, we have developed RECYCL’He, a turnkey helium recycling service for all industries that consume helium.
What are the advantages of RECYCL’He?
- Purchase of used helium from industries
- No investment required from the customer
- Reduction of the environmental impact of the helium industry
- Securing a supply during periods of shortage in Europe
More about helium
What is helium?
Who is using helium?
The physical and chemical properties of this strategic resource
Inert
Inert
Helium is non-reactive and does not alter the materials with which it is in contact.
Small molecule
Small molecule
This gas is a very small molecule that escapes through any crack, making it ideal for leak detection.
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
As a neutral gas, helium can be used for many applications without any risk.
Non-flammable
Non-flammable
It can be produced and used safely in any context.
Very low liquefaction temperature
Very low liquefaction temperature
Helium has the quality of an excellent cooler, especially for medical MRI, cryogenics or superconducting magnets.
Poorly soluble
Poorly soluble
The low solubility of helium makes it very effective for deep-sea diving.
Lightweight
Lightweight
Lighter than air, helium is the ideal gas for lifting airships and festive balloons.
Inert
Helium is non-reactive and does not alter the materials with which it is in contact.
Small molecule
This gas is a very small molecule that escapes through any crack, making it ideal for leak detection.
Non-flammable
It can be produced and used safely in any context.
Non-toxic
As a neutral gas, helium can be used for many applications without any risk.
Very low liquefaction temperature
Helium has the quality of an excellent cooler, especially for medical MRI, cryogenics or superconducting magnets.
Poorly soluble
The low solubility of helium makes it very effective for deep-sea diving.
Lightweight
Lighter than air, helium is the ideal gas for lifting airships and festive balloons.
Helium is a rare gas with unique properties that most users are unable to replicate. It may be possible to synthesize helium, but this is a complex process and not very efficient, making it an unviable alternative from a technical and economic standpoint.
The worldwide helium market
This gas has become a strategic resource for which demand is growing and production is unevenly distributed. Against a backdrop of frequent shortages, the cost of helium continues to rise (with prices tripling over the last 10 years).
Gaseous helium average price (€/m³)
Source : 45-8 ENERGY data compilation – Gaseous helium in B402X cylinder
Distribution of helium consumption
Distribution of helium production
Source : IHS Markit
Helium in figures
This represents the current global demand for helium.
This represents the current global production of helium.
of the helium consumed in Western Europe is imported
This represents the lowest possible liquefaction temperature of helium.
Frequently Asked Questions about Helium
What is helium used for?
Helium is a noble gas with unique properties: it is inert, non-flammable, extremely light, and capable of reaching very low temperatures. It is essential in many sectors:
- Medical: cooling MRI machines and cryogenic equipment.
- Industry: welding, quality control, semiconductor manufacturing.
- Scientific research: laboratories, quantum physics.
- Aerospace: tank pressurization, controlled atmosphere testing.
- Lifting: airships, weather balloons, party balloons.
Its rarity and characteristics make it a strategic gas for innovation and cutting-edge technologies.
Why are we talking about a helium shortage?
The helium shortage is linked to several factors:
- Concentrated production: more than 80% of the world’s helium is produced by a few countries (United States, Qatar, Algeria, Russia).
- Geopolitical fluctuations: international tensions and logistical crises make supply uncertain.
- Growing demand: the rise of technologies using helium exceeds current extraction capacities.
The results: price volatility, market tensions, and dependence for Europe.
The first helium shortage occurred in 2012. Since then, four shortages have been identified and linked to major economic phases. We are currently in helium shortage 4.0, which is not likely to end anytime soon.
Is helium dangerous?
No, helium is completely safe. It is non-flammable and painless.
Noting that helium is still a gas, so it must be handled with care, especially when stored under pressure.
Can helium be replaced by another gas?
For certain uses, manufacturers have been able to replace helium (with argon or nitrogen, for example) to overcome supply difficulties. However, in most cases, helium cannot be substituted with another gas because its properties are so unique that it is difficult to find an equivalent in other gases.
Is helium recycling effective?
Yes, helium recycling is technically reliable and environmentally relevant. Processes for recycling helium already exist. These are designed for large infrastructures with significant technical and financial resources. With an innovative service such as RECYCL’He, recycling can be extended to other industries without any investment on their part.
By recycling helium, we can give the gas a second life and use it for a new purpose. The quality is similar to that of “native” helium, and its carbon impact will be 2 to 4 times lower than that of imported helium (according to ISO 14040 and 14044 compliant LCA).
