Get Quartz in your inbox

Free daily briefing on global business news.

The U.S. designated helium as a critical material for semiconductor supply chains

The Energy Department said helium has no viable substitutes in many semiconductor applications as global demand outpaces production

Bloomberg / Getty Images

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy said on Friday.

The department determined that helium meets the statutory definition because of its role in American manufacturing and its growing exposure to supply chain risks. Helium has no viable substitutes in many critical applications in semiconductor production, DOE said.

"Helium is essential to producing the semiconductors and advanced technologies that power our economy," Wright said in a statement. "By........

© Quartz