The U.S. Department of Energy has added helium to its critical materials list. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the designation on Friday, October 23, 2026, under the Energy Act of 2020. Tracy Alloway's post links to the Federal Register notice, which DOE posted on energy.gov. The DOE announcement has the notice link.
The list is DOE's own, and it matters for what happens next. The test is set by the Energy Act's definition: a non-fuel substance must serve an essential function in energy technologies and face a high risk of supply disruption. DOE's stated reasons are that helium is essential to semiconductor manufacturing, that demand is growing faster than production, and that U.S. refining capacity and permitting timelines limit output. Helium is now the 20th item on the list. Metallurgical coal was the last one added, in 2025, and fluorine is the only other gas on it.
In practice, a designation like this opens federal financing to producers and brings closer government monitoring. It does not restrict helium use or trade by itself. Startup Fortune ties the timing to Qatar's export cuts after strikes on its Ras Laffan plant earlier this year, which it presents as the background to the move. That link is the outlet's reading, so check it against wire coverage. The AP and Associated Press reports of the announcement are the best next reads.
🕒 As of October 2026
