Honeywell's Carbon Capture Tech to Boost US Helium Production
Honeywell announced on March 11 that Blue Spruce Operating, LLC will utilize Honeywell's commercially proven carbon capture and sequestration technology to increase helium production at its Dry Piney Helium and Carbon Sequestration project in Sublette County, Wyoming, USA.
The Dry Piney project is set to provide much-needed domestically sourced helium for emerging industries like space exploration, satellite launches, and 5G telecommunications, which drive semiconductor innovation. Blue Spruce will be able to lower costs and boost helium output by capturing and liquefying CO2 byproducts from helium and methane production, using various Honeywell carbon capture technologies, including Honeywell UOP's CO2 fractionation technology.
The Dry Piney project is expected to become operational in the second half of 2028. It's projected to produce over 800 million cubic feet of bulk liquid helium annually. By operating two CO2 trains specifically designed to capture, transport, and permanently sequester CO2 emissions, the Dry Piney project will sequester up to 4.5 million metric tons of CO2 per year.
Scott Gutberlet, Co-Founder and Partner at Blue Spruce, stated, "The Blue Spruce Dry Piney project is expected to provide more than 10% of the world's helium supply, becoming North America's second-largest helium source and offsetting declining production from other sources such as the Cliffside U.S. Strategic Reserve. Honeywell's carbon capture technology will play a crucial role in enabling the long-term, reliable production of U.S. helium, reducing our need for foreign sources."
Barry Glickman, Vice President and General Manager, Sustainable Technology Solutions at Honeywell, added, "As the world seeks more energy options, carbon capture offers countries a path to maintain energy independence and reduce their carbon footprint. Honeywell's carbon capture technology will help Blue Spruce increase U.S. helium production to meet domestic demand for high-tech manufacturing and semiconductor applications."
Helium is an essential component in semiconductor manufacturing, used for transistors, memory chips, and other electronic components. With soaring demand for electronic devices, the need for affordable helium has become increasingly critical. Lowering costs through carbon capture technology will enable manufacturers to produce high-quality semiconductors more economically, supporting growth in the tech sector and ensuring devices can be offered at competitive prices.
In the medical technology sector, the demand for cost-effective helium is equally important as it maintains the operational efficiency of new essential medical equipment. Lowering helium prices can lead to more accessible medical diagnostic tools, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. As industries and researchers continue to explore new applications for helium, ensuring a stable and affordable supply is key to fostering innovation and supporting technological advancement across numerous fields.
Currently, Honeywell's CO2 solutions enable the capture of 15 million tons of CO2 annually across various industries for sequestration or utilization.
