Increasing Use of Helium-3 in Neutron Detection for Security Applications Is Driving The Global Helium 3 Market, Are Expected To Drive Market Expansion In The Near Future At A CAGR Of 9.03% During The Forecast Period 2025 To 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Helium 3 Market” that contains information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Helium 3 Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 9.03% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Helium 3 Market— 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 Global Helium 3 Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other.

Market Highlights

The Global Helium 3 Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 9.03% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 1,597.91 Million by 2035.

Helium-3 is at the forefront of nuclear fusion research due to its unique properties and potential as a clean, efficient energy source. Unlike traditional nuclear fuels such as uranium and plutonium, Helium-3 offers a fusion process that generates minimal radioactive waste and does not produce dangerous neutrons. Scientists and researchers worldwide are exploring the possibility of using Helium-3 as a primary fuel for nuclear fusion reactors, making it a highly sought-after element. Given the growing global energy crisis and the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, the demand for Helium-3 in nuclear fusion research has significantly increased.

One of the primary advantages of Helium-3 in nuclear fusion is its potential for aneutronic reactions, meaning it does not release high-energy neutrons that can cause structural damage to reactor components. When Helium-3 is fused with deuterium (a stable isotope of hydrogen), the reaction produces helium and a high-energy proton, which can be directly converted into electricity. This direct energy conversion eliminates the need for complex heat-based turbine systems, making the entire process more efficient. Governments and private organizations worldwide, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and China’s space program, are actively investing in Helium-3-based fusion research, as it presents a promising solution for future energy needs.

Despite its advantages, Helium-3 fusion is still in the experimental stage, primarily due to the challenges associated with obtaining sufficient quantities of the isotope. Helium-3 is extremely rare on Earth, with only small amounts available as a byproduct of nuclear weapons production and tritium decay in nuclear reactors. To overcome this limitation, researchers are looking into alternative sources, including lunar mining. The Moon’s surface is believed to contain vast reserves of Helium-3, embedded in the regolith due to billions of years of solar wind exposure. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia are considering lunar missions to extract Helium-3, further driving interest in nuclear fusion applications.

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Segment Analysis

The Global Helium 3 Market has been segmented based on By Form, By Application.

Based on form, the Global 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.

Based on Application, the Global 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.

Regional Analysis

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.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Helium 3 Market is expected to reach USD 1,597.91 Million by 2035, at a CAGR of 9.03% during the forecast period.


• The Asia Pacific region accounted for the fastest growth in the global market.


• Based on By Application, the Defense segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• 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 Global Helium 3 Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other are the key market play