The largest helium production plant in Russia has been launched in the Irkutsk region. Its capacity is 7.5 million cubic meters of this gas annually. This production will cover the helium deficit within the country. But since Russia needs about 6 million cubic meters per year, the surplus will be exported to China.
In addition, two more plants will be built in Russia: in Yakutia with a capacity of 4 million cubic meters of helium annually, and in the Amur region with a capacity of 6 million cubic meters of helium. After these plants are commissioned (in the Amur region – in 2026), Russia should become the world leader in helium production.
Helium is an inert gas used in industry, medicine (it is necessary for cooling MRI machines), and the aerospace industry.