Science Weekly Helium: the invisible gas that powers AI, and why it’s in short supply
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Apr 14, 2026 Sophia Hayes, a chemistry professor specializing in NMR and low-temperature physics. She explains why helium’s unique cold and inert properties matter. They cover helium’s roles in MRI, semiconductor cooling and AI hardware. The conversation also looks at fragile global supplies, storage and transport challenges, and how labs cope when supplies tighten.
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Helium Comes From Radioactive Decay In Gas Fields
- Earthly helium comes from radioactive decay trapped in natural-gas reservoirs rather than the atmosphere or stars.
- Sophia Hayes explains only a few gas fields are rich enough, often ~1% helium in extracted gas, making recoverable supply limited.
A Handful Of Countries Control Helium Supply
- Global supply concentrates in a few countries, with the US historically ~40% and Qatar ~33%, making the chain vulnerable to regional disruptions.
- Madeleine Finlay notes other suppliers include Algeria, Russia and Poland, increasing fragility.
Helium Shipments Warm Up Fast
- Liquefied helium is shipped in insulated containers but the insulation warms over weeks, forcing vaporisation and eventual loss if not used or transferred.
- Madeleine Finlay warns containers typically keep helium cold for only about a month to six weeks.