NY Times: Privatisation of the US Helium Reserve
- Feb 2, 2024
- 4 min read
The US government's auction of its federal helium reserves near Amarillo, Texas, to private entities like Messer LLC has sparked widespread concern across various industries reliant on helium, from medical technology to aerospace. Despite fears of a supply chain crisis potentially impacting critical sectors and national security, the government assures that the privatisation, mandated by the 2013 Helium Stewardship Act, will not significantly affect helium availability. Meanwhile, the industry braces for potential short-term supply-demand challenges, with hopes for stabilisation and alternative solutions on the horizon.