International
U.S. Department of Energy Designates Helium as Critical Material
The Hindu1h
THE BRIEF
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The U.S. Department of Energy designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020 on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright approved the designation to strengthen American manufacturing and secure supply chains for economic and national security.
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The department concluded that helium is essential for semiconductor manufacturing with no viable substitutes, while limited refining capacity continues to constrain domestic production.