#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #HeReNet #helium supply

Okayama University Launches the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network

On June 16, 2025, Okayama University officially kicked off its initiative—the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network, also known as HeReNet. This project is designed to address the challenges associated with the limited natural resource of liquid helium, which is crucial for various research activities. To mark the launch, the university held an informational session at the Tsushima Campus, attended by approximately 30 researchers, technical staff, and administrative personnel.

The primary goals of HeReNet include promoting the effective use of liquid helium and establishing a stable supply system through collaborative efforts with other universities and institutions. During the informational session, Koji Hatanaka, the Vice Task Force Leader and Department Manager for Institutional Collaboration at the university, provided details on the network, including updates on the helium liquefaction systems and methods for helium recycling across participating institutions. Additional sessions are slated to engage personnel from other universities, technical colleges, and relevant organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach towards the realization of HeReNet.

At present, Japan relies entirely on imported liquid helium, with prices soaring due to multiple factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts. Many educational and research institutions have faced difficulties procuring this essential resource, hindering their research activities. Given that Okayama University possesses helium liquefaction equipment, it has successfully developed a system to supply liquid helium for internal use and recapture the generated helium gas for re-liquefaction. This cyclical process is vital for laboratories utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other sophisticated research equipment.

However, the establishment and maintenance of helium liquefaction equipment are costs and resource-intensive endeavors requiring specialized personnel and expertise. As a leading research university in the region, Okayama University aims to extend its helium supply capabilities not only within its own institution but also to nearby universities, research facilities, and businesses. By doing so, the network is anticipated to broaden the scope and application of helium-utilizing research and development, thereby enhancing national research capabilities and fostering innovation.

So far, the university has engaged in discussions and inspections with various institutions regarding the promotion of liquid helium utilization and stable supply. Based on insights gathered through these interactions, Okayama University strives to strengthen its operational capabilities and emerge as a pivotal supply hub for the local area.

In addition to its collaborative efforts, Okayama University plans to upgrade its helium liquefaction facility, which has been in use for over 15 years and is becoming increasingly aged. Supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the university anticipates completing this upgrade by the end of the fiscal year 2026. The new system will feature approximately double the liquefaction capacity of the existing setup and will also provide essential infrastructure like gas bags and compressors for helium gas recovery to collaborative organizations within HeReNet.

Okayama University has been selected for the MEXT project called 'Promotion of Regional Core and Unique Research Universities (J-PEAKS),' aiming to become a hub for strengthening research capabilities and to innovate as a center for knowledge and technology. Through establishing a regional supply system for liquid helium, the university hopes to facilitate broader research applications and efforts to fulfill its vision of becoming a leading regional university known for research innovation.

The university invites you to join them in this exciting challenge, which contributes to co-creating a sustainable future for both the community and our planet.

This announcement was made public on July 5, 2025, by Okayama University.