Semiconductors now account for over a fifth (21%) of global helium demand, surpassing MRI applications for the first time, driven largely by chips powering artificial intelligence (AI) across Asia and increasingly worldwide.
“This shift highlights how AI-driven chip production is fueling helium demand growth, even as MRI helium use declines due to improved efficiency,” said Lita Shon-Roy, President and CEO of TechCET, who spoke about the trend at gasworld’s Helium Super Summit in Austin.
Lita Shon-Roy noted the semiconductor industry is set to grow by an average of 6.3% annually, including a 14.6% surge this year.
Helium is critical in semiconductor manufacturing, used primarily to cool wafers during high-temperature processes like etching and deposition. These steps are energy-intensive, and helium helps maintain precise temperature control.
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