National Helium Reserve

The National Helium Reserve is a gas storage facility in Amarillo, Texas, that stores and distributes natural helium from underground formations. The operation uses a network of pipelines and metering stations to move gas from private recovery plants to the Cliffside gas field and onward to end users.

The reserve was founded in 1917 to supply helium for military blimps during World War I, leading to the Helium Act of 1925. This legislation established the framework for organized helium production and storage, which later became critical for space programs and scientific research.

This facility plays an important role in modern industry and science, as helium is needed for medical equipment, research laboratories, and various manufacturing processes. The reserve shows how resources extracted from the ground are distributed to support jobs and economic activity across the region.

The facility is located about 12 miles northwest of Amarillo and is accessible from the city. Keep in mind this is an active operating site, so tours may be limited or require advance permission.

The pipeline system spans over 420 miles and connects various recovery plants to the Cliffside gas field through a specialized metering network. This extensive infrastructure was one of the largest of its kind for decades and demonstrates the complexity of modern resource management in Texas.