Energy resources are natural resources used for energy production. While fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal have long dominated the energy market, the global shift towards low-carbon and sustainable energy sources is bringing new resources into focus – particularly uranium for nuclear power and helium for high-tech applications.
Uranium is the essential element for nuclear energy, which is considered one of the most efficient and low-CO₂ energy sources. In light of rising global energy demands and the push for stable, emission-free power supply, nuclear power is experiencing a renaissance. Countries like China, India, and the USA are investing heavily in new reactors, including advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which enable flexible and safe power generation. As global uranium reserves are limited and many mines have not been expanded for decades, prices and exploration activities worldwide are rising again.
Helium is a strategic resource that goes far beyond its classic use in balloons. As an extremely light, non-reactive gas with unique cryogenic properties, it is used in a variety of high-tech applications, including medicine (MRI scanners), semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computers, space travel, nuclear research, and superconducting magnets. Global helium deposits are limited, as the gas cannot be synthetically produced and is only obtained through natural gas extraction. As traditional producing countries like the USA and Russia reduce their reserves, the exploration of new helium sources – for example in Canada and Africa – is becoming increasingly important.
While fossil fuels continue to play a role despite the energy transition, uranium and helium are developing into key resources of the future, essential for both sustainable energy supply and groundbreaking technologies.