Helium 3 Market Size Was Valued At USD 672.62 Million In 2024. The Global Helium 3 Industry Is Projected To Grow From USD 732.27 Million In 2025 To USD 1,597.91 Million By 2035, Exhibiting A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Of 9.03% During The Forecast Period (2025 - 2035).
Growing demand for Helium-3 in nuclear fusion research projects, Increasing Use of Helium-3 in Neutron Detection for Security Applications Is Driving The Helium 3 Market.
As per Analyst at MRFR,” The global Helium-3 market is driven by its increasing demand in advanced scientific applications, particularly in nuclear fusion research. Helium-3 is a potential fuel for aneutronic fusion reactions, which produce minimal radioactive waste compared to conventional nuclear fission.
Governments and private research institutions, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and China’s National Space Administration (CNSA), are investing heavily in fusion technologies as a long-term solution for sustainable energy. With major experiments such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) progressing, the need for Helium-3 as a potential fusion fuel is expected to surge”.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Helium 3 Market Trends
ADVANCEMENTS IN SPACE EXPLORATION FOR FUEL IN NUCLEAR REACTORS
Helium-3 has garnered significant interest in the space industry as a potential fuel for nuclear reactors, particularly for future lunar and deep-space missions. This rare isotope of helium is considered a promising fuel for nuclear fusion, offering a clean energy source with minimal radioactive waste compared to traditional nuclear reactions involving deuterium or tritium. The growing focus on space exploration by governments and private companies has fueled research into Helium-3’s role as a potential energy source for sustaining long-term space missions. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia, along with private entities like SpaceX and Blue Origin, are exploring how Helium-3 can be harvested and utilized for future space-based nuclear power systems.
One of the key drivers behind the interest in Helium-3 is its abundance on the Moon. Unlike Earth, where Helium-3 is extremely rare and primarily sourced from decayed tritium in nuclear reactors, the Moon’s surface is rich in Helium-3 due to billions of years of exposure to solar wind. The lunar regolith is estimated to contain vast quantities of this isotope, making it an attractive prospect for mining operations. Various lunar exploration missions, including NASA’s Artemis program and China’s Chang’e series, are evaluating methods for extracting Helium-3 from the Moon’s surface. If successfully harvested, Helium-3 could serve as a sustainable and efficient fuel source for space-based nuclear reactors, powering habitats, spacecraft, and other critical infrastructure required for deep-space missions.
The application of Helium-3 in nuclear reactors for space missions presents several advantages. First, Helium-3 fusion reactions produce significantly less radioactive byproducts than traditional nuclear fusion involving deuterium and tritium. This makes it safer for long-duration missions, where waste disposal and radiation exposure are major concerns. Additionally, Helium-3 fusion offers a higher energy yield per unit of fuel, potentially providing a more efficient and reliable power source for spacecraft propulsion and space colonies. The ability to generate energy independently in space using Helium-3 could reduce dependence on Earth-based fuel supplies, making interplanetary travel more feasible and cost-effective.
Helium 3 Market Segment Insights
Global Helium 3 By form Insights
Based on form, the Helium 3 Market has been segmented liquid and gas. The gas segment dominated the market with a value of USD 521.28 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,286.79 million by 2035. Further, liquid segment is likely to register a CAGR of 10.45% during the projected period. Helium-3 in gaseous form is primarily used in neutron detection, nuclear fusion research, and medical imaging. One of the most significant applications of gaseous Helium-3 is in neutron detection for national security and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Due to its ability to absorb low-energy neutrons without being radioactive, Helium-3 is a key component in neutron detectors used at border security checkpoints, nuclear power plants, and research reactors. These detectors play a vital role in identifying illicit nuclear materials, ensuring safety, and preventing unauthorized transportation of radioactive substances. The increasing focus on homeland security, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions, has driven governments to invest heavily in neutron detection technologies, thereby boosting demand for gaseous Helium-3.
Figure 1: Helium 3 Market, By form, 2024 & 2035 (USD MILLION)
Global Helium 3 By Application Type Insights
Based on Application, the Helium 3 Market has been segmented into Oil & Gas, Defense, Power Plant, Medical and Others. The Defense segment dominated the market with a value of USD 359.96 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 883.55 million by 2035. Further, this segment is expected to witness the growth with a CAGR of 8.52% over the forecast duration. The defense sector represents one of the most significant applications of helium-3 due to its role in neutron detection, which is critical for nuclear security and radiation monitoring.
Helium-3 is a key component in neutron detectors used at border security checkpoints, where it helps in identifying illicit nuclear materials such as uranium and plutonium. These detectors play a vital role in countering nuclear proliferation and preventing the unauthorized transport of radioactive substances. The isotope’s ability to detect slow neutrons with high efficiency makes it an ideal choice for defense agencies, enabling quick and accurate identification of nuclear threats.
In addition to nuclear security, helium-3 has been studied for its potential use in fusion energy research, particularly in military applications. The isotope is a key fuel candidate for aneutronic nuclear fusion, which produces minimal radioactive waste compared to conventional nuclear reactions. While practical fusion power remains a long-term goal, defense agencies have been investigating helium-3’s potential for high-energy propulsion systems, including spacecraft and advanced military vehicles. The scarcity of helium-3, however, has led governments to explore extraterrestrial sources, such as the Moon, where significant reserves are believed to exist.
Global Helium 3 By Region
Based on region, the global automotive thermal systems components market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The North America dominated the global market in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest–growing Region during the forecast period.
The North America Helium-3 market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across nuclear fusion research, medical imaging, and national security applications. Helium-3, a rare isotope of helium, is primarily extracted from decaying tritium stockpiles, as natural reserves are virtually nonexistent on Earth. The United States is the primary market for Helium-3 in North America, accounting for nearly all demand and supply activities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) are the major stakeholders controlling Helium-3 production, allocation, and distribution. Canada has minimal demand, with usage limited to specialized research institutions.
One of the primary drivers for Helium-3 demand in North America is its role in nuclear fusion research. The isotope is being explored as a potential fuel for aneutronic fusion reactions, which could revolutionize energy production by providing a clean, radiation-free power source. U.S.-based institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are actively researching Helium-3 fusion, which fuels market growth. Additionally, Helium-3's exceptional neutron absorption capabilities make it a critical component in neutron detection systems, essential for border security and nuclear threat detection. The U.S. government has classified Helium-3 as a strategic resource, further ensuring its demand in homeland security applications.
Beyond national security and energy, the isotope has growing applications in cryogenics and medical imaging. Helium-3 is used as a cooling agent in dilution refrigerators, essential for quantum computing advancements led by companies like IBM and Google. In the medical sector, Helium-3 is utilized in hyperpolarized MRI scans for lung imaging, offering superior diagnostic capabilities over traditional techniques. However, due to limited supply and high costs, its adoption remains restricted to research institutions and select medical facilities.
Figure 2: Helium 3 Market, by region, 2024 & 2035 (USD MILLION)
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC, Brazil , Mexico, Argentina, Rest of South America , GCC, South Africa, Rest of MEA.
Global Helium 3 Key Market Players & Competitive Insight
Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Helium 3 Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The major players in the market include Air Liquide S.A, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc, Iwatani Corp, Linde PLC, PJSC Gazprom, Gulf CRYO, IACX Energy, Laurentis Energy Partners Inc, Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc, Messer Group, and among others. The Helium 3 Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.
Key Companies in the Helium 3 Market include.
Helium 3 Market Segmentation
Helium 3 Market By Form Outlook (USD Million, Thousand litre, 2019-2035)
Helium 3 Market By Application Outlook (USD Million, Thousand litre, 2019-2035)
Global Helium 3 Regional Outlook
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 672.62 Million |
| Market Size 2025 | USD 732.27 Million |
| Market Size 2035 | USD 1,597.91 Million |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 33.80% (2025-2035) |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2025-2035 |
| Historical Data | 2019- 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units | Value (USD Million , Thousand litre) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | By Form, By Application |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East And Africa, South America |
| Countries Covered | The U.S., Canada, Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of South America, GCC, South Africa, Rest of MEA. |
| Key Companies Profiled | Air Liquide S.A, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc, Iwatani Corp, Linde PLC, PJSC Gazprom, Gulf CRYO, IACX Energy, Laurentis Energy Partners Inc, Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc, Messer Group and other. |
| Key Market Opportunities | · Advancements in Space Exploration for Fuel in Nuclear Reactors · Expanding applications in cryogenics for superconducting magnet cooling |
| Key Market Dynamics | · Growing demand for Helium-3 in nuclear fusion research projects · Increasing Use of Helium-3 in Neutron Detection for Security Applications |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Helium 3 Market size is expected to be valued at USD 1,597.91 Million in 2035.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.03% during the forecast period, 2024-2035.
North America had the largest share of the global market.
The key players in the market are Air Liquide S.A, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc, Iwatani Corp, Linde PLC, PJSC Gazprom, Gulf CRYO, IACX Energy, Laurentis Energy Partners Inc, Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc, Messer Group and others.
Gas Systems dominated the market in 2024.
The Defense segment had the largest revenue share of the global market.
Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights.
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Research Analyst Level I In her 3 years of experience in the market research field, she has handled critical cross-domain projects. she has an in-depth knowledge of market estimation & analysis, problem-solving, primary as well as secondary research, and team management.she holds an engineering degree and is an mba professional from a well-known university, capable of evaluating the market and competitive conditions. an exceptional strategist with excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering cutting-edge & practical insights for the market. proficient in multi-tasking, and can successfully deal with competing demands, while maintaining complete confidentiality. generated business through active client and project development, networking, and high-quality responses. her knowledge and skills have helped in making solid business decisions, securing funding from investors, and avoiding business failures.
Get in Touch
© 2025 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)
