QatarEnergy strikes helium deal with Germany’s Uniper

QatarEnergy has signed its second helium supply deal with German energy company Uniper Global Commodities.

The state-backed energy company has started delivering 70 million cubic feet of helium to Uniper from its Ras Laffan facility. The deal is for 15 years.

“QatarEnergy looks forward to working with Uniper on supporting the expansive needs of new industries dependent on reliable helium,” CEO Saad Al-Kaabi said in a statement.

No financial details were given.

QatarEnergy signed its first direct long-term helium supply deal with German industrial gases company Messer in September.

Helium is used in MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, fibre optics, space exploration, deep-sea diving and specialised welding.

Qatar is home to the world’s largest helium production facility, which began operations in 2013. 

Although helium makes up only about 0.04 percent of the North Field’s gas reserves, the reservoir is sufficient to meet global demand for the next three decades, according to QatarEnergy.

QatarEnergy ​accounts for nearly 25 percent of the world’s total helium production from its two helium plants, which are running at full capacity.

• QatarEnergy awards contract for carbon capture project
• LNG from QatarEnergy North Field expansion to arrive in H2 2026
• QatarEnergy group wins exploration permit in Congo