The global semiconductor industry is evolving as countries around the world seek to strengthen their domestic chip production capacity.
This shift has been spurred by recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to important policy initiatives such as the US Tipping Act and the EU Tipping Act.
These programs aim to reduce dependence on foreign chipmakers and strengthen the nation’s technological sovereignty.
However, this push for domestic semiconductor production could have far-reaching implications, particularly in the area of helium supply and demand.
Helium, a key element in semiconductor manufacturing, is at the center of this transformation.
Its unique properties make it essential in chip manufacturing processes, especially in cooling applications where no viable alternatives exist.
This means demand for helium is expected to surge as countries ramp up domestic chip manufacturing capacity, raising concerns about supply chain sustainability and potential market instability.
Demand for helium is expected to rise sharply
Global demand for helium for semiconductor manufacturing is expected to increase more than fivefold by 2035, according to a recent report from technology market research firm IDTechEx.
In the United States alone, demand is expected to quadruple over the next decade.
