Uniper secures a 15-year helium supply deal with QatarEnergy, strengthening global supply reliability for critical medical and L applications.
Uniper has entered into a significant long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with QatarEnergy for the supply of liquid helium sourced from Qatar’s globally recognized production facilities located in Ras Laffan. This agreement represents a major step in strengthening Uniper’s global helium supply chain and underlines the growing importance of reliable partnerships in the strategically vital helium market.
Under the terms of the SPA, Uniper will receive approximately 70 million standard cubic feet of high-purity liquid helium per year, equivalent to nearly two million cubic meters. The supply arrangement is designed to extend for a period of up to 15 years, with deliveries scheduled to commence in September 2025. The long duration of the contract reflects both parties’ confidence in long-term demand fundamentals and their shared commitment to supply security, reliability, and operational excellence.
The agreement also marks an important milestone in Uniper’s long-standing engagement with Qatar’s energy sector. While Uniper has collaborated with QatarEnergy’s predecessor entities for many years, this contract establishes the first direct commercial relationship between Uniper and QatarEnergy specifically for helium supply. QatarEnergy is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and most dependable producers of helium, benefiting from integrated gas processing infrastructure and access to some of the most advanced production facilities globally.
Commenting on the agreement, John Roper, CEO Middle East at Uniper Global Commodities SE, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. He noted that the deal is a clear testament to the enduring engagement between the two organizations and reflects Uniper’s strong legacy in supplying bulk wholesale helium to customers across international markets. According to Roper, the agreement reinforces Uniper’s position as a trusted partner in the global helium value chain while opening a new chapter of direct collaboration with QatarEnergy.
Through this long-term partnership, Uniper aims to further enhance the resilience and diversity of its helium supply portfolio. By sourcing helium from first-class production assets such as those in Ras Laffan, the company seeks to mitigate supply risks, ensure continuity for customers, and support long-term growth across multiple end-use sectors. Diversification of supply sources has become increasingly important in the helium market, which is characterized by limited production locations and rising global demand.
Helium is a critical input for a wide array of advanced technologies and essential industrial applications. Its unique physical properties make it indispensable for medical imaging equipment such as MRI scanners, where ultra-low temperatures are required to operate superconducting magnets. In the electronics sector, helium is vital for semiconductor manufacturing and fiber-optic cable production, both of which underpin modern digital infrastructure. The gas is also widely used in aerospace applications, including rocket propulsion and testing, as well as in scientific research, deep-sea diving, lifting operations, and specialized welding processes.
By securing a long-term and stable supply of helium from QatarEnergy, Uniper reinforces its commitment to supporting customers operating in these critical industries. The agreement highlights Uniper’s broader strategy of aligning with reliable producers and investing in long-duration partnerships that can deliver value across market cycles. At the same time, it underscores QatarEnergy’s role as a key global supplier capable of meeting the growing and evolving needs of international helium markets over the coming decades.
