US Government Approach to Addressing the He-3 Shortage

The United States is facing a shortage of helium-3 (He-3), which is an essential material for current generation nuclear safeguards and radiation detection equipment. The U.S. stockpile of He-3 came as a byproduct from the U.S. nuclear weapons program. Since the end of the cold war, this surplus has not been recharged, due to the nuclear weapons draw down. With the increased concern over nuclear terrorism, the demand for He-3 has increased dramatically. At current consumption rates, 3He supply is predicted to meet only a small percentage of the projected demand per year. Recent coverage in the scientific press has also highlighted the shortage, focusing on the potential impact on scientific research due to the increased demand. He-3 is not only used in neutron detection, but also for cryogenic applications, medical diagnostics, oil and gas exploration and other areas. The White House is leading an interagency effort, involving the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and State, to conserve existing He-3 stocks, develop additional supplies, and develop alternative technologies. This paper reviews the comprehensive approach being taken to address the He-3 shortage via: (1) Policy and International Engagement, (2) Supply, (3) Demand, and (4) Technology.