The U.S. Department of Energy’s helium designation may expand federal financing for producers, the Associated Press and CBS News reported, as the agency points to rising demand and limits on domestic supply.
The department announced the addition Oct. 23 under the Energy Act of 2020. The law covers materials at high risk of supply-chain disruption that serve an essential role in an energy technology, as well as critical minerals designated by the Interior secretary. EconoTimes previously covered the helium listing and DOE’s supply concerns.
The Associated Press describes helium as the 20th energy-critical material identified by the department. DOE’s 2023 list included 18 energy materials, and the department added metallurgical grade coal on May 22, 2025.
DOE linked growing helium demand to advanced semiconductor manufacturing that supports data-center supply chains. Its notice also cites medical and scientific uses, quantum computing and leak checks for natural-gas infrastructure, and says helium cannot be replaced for several critical energy functions. The department said global demand is growing faster than production; limited refining capacity and lengthy permitting constrain U.S. output despite domestic helium-rich gas deposits.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated 2025 sales of Grade-A and gaseous helium at 81 million cubic meters (2.9 billion cubic feet), valued at $970 million. Those figures measure sales, not production.
The Associated Press and CBS News reported that the designation makes additional federal financing available to producers. DOE’s announcement and notice do not identify a funding program, amount or recipient.
Pulsar Helium used an Oct. 26 release to promote its Minnesota project as a possible domestic source. The company said no reserves had been assigned to its property interests to date.
