The Ministry of Energy and Resources is providing a $140,000 grant to the Saskatchewan Research Council so it can complete a Helium Liquefaction Hub Study.

The study is intended to provide the information needed to develop a commercial scale, export-oriented helium sector for the province.

Minister responsible Bronwyn Eyre says liquefaction is the crucial next step in Saskatchewan’s path to supplying 10 per cent of the global helium market share by 2030.

Eyre explains that only liquid helium can be exported overseas and as many end-users require liquid helium, a provincial liquefaction facility will improve both the marketability and pricing for Saskatchewan’s significant helium resources.

Helium is used in medical research, and diagnostics like an MRI as well as semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, fibre optics and nuclear power generation.

Saskatchewan is already home to Canada’s largest purification facility, near Battle Creek.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s goal is to establish the province as a regional helium liquefaction hub in Western Canada and surrounding U.S. states.