Request for stable supply of helium.
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The supply of “helium”, which is widely used in the manufacture of industrial products and research and development, has been reduced, and some research has become impossible. I am going to appeal to the country to work on a stable supply of helium.
Helium is stable without burning, and is used for cooling. Widely used in manufacturing and research and development of industrial products such as semiconductors, and medical equipment, Japan relies on imports.
The US, which accounts for about 60% of the world's production, has reduced helium exports since last year, and Japan's import price of helium is about three times that of 10 years ago.
Importers of helium give priority to medical institutions and manufacturers of industrial products, but they are not enough for research and development, and some research cannot be done.
For this reason, relevant academic societies such as the Physical Society of Japan will not only make progress in research and development, but will also have a major impact on the manufacturing site and medical care, making an emergency statement and raising the country to a stable supply of helium I ’m going to appeal to you.
In this policy, the policy is to promptly set up facilities and environment for recycling helium, as well as to establish a base to store helium in Japan.
Vice Chairman Shingo Katsumoto of the Physical Society of Japan said, “If we don't take measures, we will be in a critical state.
Sales company "critical situation"
Helium is not only used in the production of semiconductors and optical fibers, but is widely used in the manufacturing field of industrial products, and is also required for medical equipment such as MRI.
It has been pointed out that when the shortage of helium becomes serious, it may be affected in various fields, such as some examinations being impossible with familiar medical care.
Naomi Miyagaki, executive officer of Iwatani Sangyo, one of the largest importers and sellers of helium gas, said, “What was called“ Helium Crisis ”was once or twice due to plant troubles, but this time it was structural. It ’s different because it ’s happening because it ’s going to be at least a few years, and it ’s a crisis. ”
Background of the “Helium Crisis”
The background of the “Helium Crisis” is a decrease in global helium production and an increase in demand.
Of these, the world's largest helium storage facility in southern Texas, which is under government control in the United States, which accounts for approximately 60% of the world's helium production, will be privatized by the end of September next year. .
According to local media, before the privatization of the facility, helium currently stored will be paid out to the private sector, and in the bidding last year, one American gas sales company bought up, so until then Japan had This means that importing helium from this storage facility has become difficult.
It is also influenced by the development of shale gas in the United States.
According to experts, helium is usually produced with natural gas, but since shale gas contains very little helium, the more shale gas is developed, the less helium production will be in the United States. is.
On the other hand, the worsening situation in Middle East Qatar, the second helium-producing country after the United States, is another major cause of helium shortage. Sadly, Saudi Arabia and UAE = United Arab Emirates severed diplomatic relations with Qatar as “supporting terrorist organizations”.
Until then, Qatar-made helium was exported overseas from the UAE port via the neighboring Saudi Arabia, but due to the disconnection of diplomatic relations, it would have to follow another route, and it would take extra time and cost to transport The stable supply is affected.
Adding to this shortage of helium is the growing worldwide demand for helium. Especially in recent years, demand for helium has been increasing rapidly in China, which focuses on the production of semiconductors and optical fibers.
Over the past few years, these multiple factors have made it difficult for production to keep up with the world's demand for helium and prices to rise.
World helium production outlook
As the global helium shortage becomes more serious, new helium production plans are underway in each country.
Russia's largest government gas company, Gazprom, is pursuing a plan to refine and export helium produced in East Siberia, Russia, in the Far East factory, aiming for operation next year.
In addition, new helium plants are expected to start operation in Qatar in the Middle East and Algeria in North Africa from next year.
As new helium production is expected to start in each country, there is a view among experts that global helium shortages will be improved after next year.
On the other hand, in the United States, the world's largest helium-producing country, the development of shale gas that contains almost no helium is expected to progress, and the production of helium is expected to shrink.
Currently, the world's helium production is about 60% in the United States and about 30% in Qatar, about 90% in the two countries. According to “Corn Blues Helium Consulting”, in 2025, the proportion of the United States will shrink to 30%, the same as Qatar, while Russia is expected to expand to nearly 25%.