The semiconductor manufacturing industry, the basis of modern technology, relies heavily on helium due to its unique properties.
Helium’s role in this sector is essential and its cryogenic capabilities are unmatched, especially when it comes to cooling wafers. With initiatives such as the US Chip Act and EU Chip Act poised for significant growth in semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for helium is set to soar.
According to a recent report by IDTechEx, demand for helium in semiconductor manufacturing is expected to increase five-fold by 2035. However, helium’s finite nature has raised concerns about the sustainability of this vital industry.
Helium’s Important Role in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Helium is essential at various stages in semiconductor manufacturing, primarily due to its high thermal conductivity and inert properties.
The ability to rapidly cool chips during the manufacturing process will be invaluable, especially as semiconductor nodes become smaller and more efficient.
As the semiconductor industry pushes the boundaries of technology with advancements in AI, quantum computing and automotive automation, the need for enhanced thermal management becomes increasingly critical.
Helium plays a key role here, ensuring that the chips are produced in optimal conditions without the risk of overheating.
With emerging industries such as electric vehicles and 5G communications driving semiconductor innovation, demand for helium is set to increase dramatically.
The helium supply shortage problem
Despite its importance, the helium market has faced persistent supply shortages over the past two decades.
These shortages are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, factory shutdowns and maintenance issues, leading to price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
In response, semiconductor manufacturers have had to adjust production rates during periods of helium shortages to manage costs and resource availability.
Although there is expected to be an increase in helium production, particularly from countries such as Qatar and Russia, security of supply remains uncertain.
These regions are often rife with geopolitical instability, which could further jeopardize helium supplies.
The United States Geological Survey estimates that the world’s total helium reserves are about 40 billion cubic meters.
At current production rates, this period is about 250 years, but increasing demand for helium in semiconductor manufacturing could reduce this period significantly.
Recycling helium and exploring sustainable solutions
Given the finite nature of helium, sustainability is becoming a pressing concern for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Other sectors, such as fiber optics and cryogenics, have already begun implementing ways to recycle helium to ease supply problems.
The IDTechEx report highlights the growing trend towards helium recycling in industries such as aerospace and automotive leak testing, driven by rising helium costs and the need to manage unpredictable supply chains.
Helium recycling in semiconductor manufacturing is still in its early stages, but adoption of the regeneration technology is likely to become more widespread as the industry grapples with supply shortages and rising costs of specialty gases.
Investing in helium recycling systems could provide a sustainable way for semiconductor fabrication plants to meet their growing helium demand, while mitigating the impact of future supply disruptions.
The way forward: Balancing growth and sustainability
Expanded helium production may ease some of the supply challenges, but the industry needs to prepare for possible shortages in the future.
Demand for helium is predicted to grow sharply through 2035, forcing semiconductor manufacturers to consider alternative strategies, including the implementation of helium recycling technologies, to ensure long-term sustainability.
As demand for helium continues to grow, the industry must innovate and adapt to ensure a stable and sustainable future for semiconductor manufacturing.
