#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #HeReNet #Helium Recycling

Okayama University Promotes a Sustainable Helium Recycling Network

On August 24, 2025, Okayama University held an online outreach meeting as part of its initiative to establish the "Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network" (HeReNet). This program aims to promote the sustainable usage and stable supply of liquid helium, a vital resource for scientific research, which is entirely imported in Japan. Given recent global conflicts and the pandemic's impact, helium prices have surged, creating challenges for many universities and research institutions.

As part of this initiative, Okayama University is leveraging its helium liquefaction system to recover and recycle helium gas emitted from research equipment, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machines. The university is creating a circular economy by recycling this helium for ongoing research use. The HeReNet is a collaborative effort involving eight partner institutions, including universities and research facilities, aimed at improving helium recovery and recycling practices region-wide.

In many institutions without a liquefaction system, the incurred helium gas waste is released into the atmosphere due to the lack of recovery systems. To address this, HeReNet plans to establish systems for collecting emitted helium gas using specialized gas bags, compressing it into cylinders, and transporting it back to Okayama University for purification and reuse. Such a network not only optimizes the use of helium across multiple institutions but also reduces environmental waste associated with gas emissions.

The process of setting up helium liquefaction facilities is costly and complex, requiring skilled personnel and significant investment. Thus, the leadership of Okayama University, recognized as a core regional research university, is crucial in promoting collaborative and effective helium resource management. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing research capabilities and innovation in Japan, encouraging greater collaboration among academic institutions.

As a recipient of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s J-PEAKS program funding, Okayama University is transforming into an innovation hub, aiming to cement its position as a leading research university through enhanced helium supply systems. The establishment of a regional helium supply network is pivotal in expanding the horizons of research and development using liquid helium and fostering innovation nationwide.

In his comments, President Masatomo Nas, highlighted that Okayama University has diligently engaged with various institutions to explore effective helium usage and supplies. The ongoing discussions are laying the groundwork for future enhancements to the university’s systems and for serving as a regional hub for helium supply and recovery efforts. He expressed confidence that, through partnerships with other universities and institutions, HeReNet would significantly contribute to sustainable research foundations in Japan, supporting the country's advancement in science and technology.

Future Impacts

The overarching goal of Okayama University and the HeReNet initiative is to create a robust research environment within Japan while adhering to sustainable development goals. By ensuring the availability of helium resources for a wide range of scientific research applications, the project aims to significantly enhance Japan’s research competitiveness and innovation potential. This strategic effort is essential for establishing a sustainable basis for scientific advancements in Japan and demonstrating the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resource optimization.

In summary, the HeReNet initiative represents a necessary step towards addressing the increasing demand for helium in the research sector while prioritizing sustainable practices and implementations. Okayama University invites collaboration from other research entities to join in this vital effort to utilize resources wisely and bolster the nation’s research integrity and output. Expect to see impactful results from this pioneering program, contributing positively to research activities both locally and nationally.