I didn't realize the world's supply of helium was almost totally a byproduct of LNG extraction. If we manage to completely abandon fossil fuels are there other sources that we don't exploit now because it's not economical? Would we still need to extract LNG to get helium? What would we do with the useless LNG?
this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2026
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You're pretty much always going to need LNG or Oil for something or other, it's never going to go away 100%. There are applications/processes/technologies that can't be electrified.
Yeah, we're always going to need plastics, metallurgical coal, and some LNG but if we're not extracting it anywhere near the current volume to meet energy needs would we meet the world's helium needs, and if not I wonder what we would do with all the LNG as a byproduct of helium extraction?
They'll extract the helium then pump the hydrocarbons back down. Extracting helium from the moon is going to be big business some day. Its loaded with helium 3 which is the best helium. Would be a waste to be used in anything but fusion reactors but that might be the only helium available. Then there's also the possibility of companies running fusion reactors not as a power source but as a means of element production.
Good thing that nothing important needs helium, just boring shit like balloons and MRIs.
Just get your mom to sit on some hydrogen atoms. Problem solved.
Chipmunks in shambles
Good, I’m willing to go a decade without any technological advances as long as the minmaxing libertarian stemlords who have the fucking hubris to think their logic autism means they’ve figured out the world and therefore are our sheppards eat a fat slice of the humble pie. And I’m talking about the Musks, Theils, and Bezos of the world.
Whether that’s humiliation or bankruptcy or death I do not care.