Helium Gas 9-24-24

In the scramble for energy, Germany is looking at Helium Gas as an option. Helium is not considered a greenhouse gas; it does not have the ability to absorb infrared radiation like other greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, making it unable to contribute to the greenhouse effect.  

Helium gas is produced naturally underground through the radioactive decay of heavy elements like uranium and thorium, where the resulting alpha particles collect electrons to form helium; it is primarily extracted from natural gas deposits where helium concentrations are high enough to be commercially viable, making it a non-renewable resource as the helium escapes into space once released into the atmosphere. 

Helium gas is obtained through various extraction methods. Gas extraction involves the production of helium from natural gas sources such as methane, ethane, and propane. This process begins with the purification of raw natural gas to separate the different gases into their pure components.

Several major greenhouse gases that result from human activity are included in U.S. and international estimates of greenhouse gas emissions:

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Methane (CH₄)

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Industrial gases: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃)

There isn't much information about countries using helium to produce electricity, but here's some information about helium's use and distribution. 

Helium reserves: The United States, Qatar, and Algeria have the world's largest helium reserves, while the United States, Russia, and Algeria are the top suppliers. 

Helium supply: The world's helium supply is in short supply, and the price can spike if there's a problem with production in one of the major countries. 

Helium use: Helium is used in medical and high-tech applications. 

Helium production: Helium is formed deep underground over thousands of years through radioactive decay in rocks. 

Helium loss: Helium is lightweight and can easily escape into space when brought to the surface. 

Helium reserves in the US: The US has a Federal Helium Reserve in Amarillo, Texas that was created in 1925. The US Navy has used the helium in this reserve for airships, technical diving, and as a coolant during the Cold War. 

Helium reserves in Qatar: Qatar plans to increase its helium production capacity by attracting foreign capital and technology. 

Helium reserves in Russia: Russia is considering getting into the helium production business. 

If Helium can be produced economically, it may become a viable energy source to produce electricity.

In the meantime, natural gas demand will continue to be the dominant gas required to produce electricity reliably. It is likely that countries converting to Helium will continue to purchase Natural Gas to use in their Helium conversion production.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader