Semiconductor Helium Demand to Reach 2.2 Billion Cubic Feet
The chip industry anticipates rising helium needs as it launches over 100 new fabrication projects by 2028.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Global semiconductor helium demand is projected to climb to 2.2 billion cubic feet by 2028. This growth is driven by the launch of 108 new fabrication projects as the industry works to scale production.
Why it matters
Rising device complexity and increasing manufacturing steps require more helium to maintain temperature control for wafers. This essential cooling process is critical for producing next-generation devices with atomic layer precision.
Semiconductor helium demand is forecasted to reach 3 billion cubic feet by 2030, supported by the construction of 30 additional facilities beyond the initial 108 projects.
The details
Helium is vital for cooling wafers during energy-intensive etching and deposition processes. As cloud service providers and chip manufacturers design proprietary AI chips, the demand for high-precision manufacturing is accelerating.
Timeline
2026: Semiconductor helium demand estimated at 1.8 billion cubic feet.
2028: Helium demand projected to reach 2.2 billion cubic feet.
2030: Helium demand projected to reach 3 billion cubic feet.
The Tech Race
The reliance on helium mirrors the industry-wide push for atomic layer precision, moving beyond legacy techniques as chip manufacturers scale toward a $2.3 trillion valuation. This expansion positions fabrication facilities as the primary drivers of specialized industrial gas consumption.
As manufacturers invest in 108 new facilities, the increased helium requirement is necessary to support the production of advanced chips used in consumer electronics and AI. Ensuring stable manufacturing environments is a prerequisite for keeping up with global hardware demand.
The takeaway
The semiconductor industry is scaling its resource needs to match the rapid evolution of next-generation AI hardware. Industry leaders are focusing on managing energy-intensive process steps to ensure future production capabilities remain viable.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Gasworld.
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