Premier Smith on hand to launch helium purification facility north of Brooks, Alta.

A first-of-its-kind helium purification facility was officially launched Saturday.

Premier Danielle Smith was among the dignitaries on hand to launch the Steveville Helium Purification Facility, which owners Royal Helium Ltd say was “designed, engineered and built by Albertans in Alberta.”

The plant is located in Princess, Alta. about 20 minutes drive north of Brooks, which is Smith's riding.

"It's clear that Royal Helium is a tremendous gain for the whole province and it's really the start of a new era for Alberta," Smith said.

While most people tend to think of helium as somethng that helps balloons escape from childrens' hands into the sky at birthday parties, it has other uses. It's used as a coolant in MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and electric vehicles.

Truth be told, with helium, the sky isn't even the limit: space flights rely on it.

Helium Developers of Canada says the country has the fifth-largest reserve of the natural resource.

"We're just at the early stages of what appears to be a very significant resource," said Richard Dunn, the executive director of the Helium Developers Association of Canada.

The Royal Helium facility is the first helium purification facility of its size in North America, and part of that leads to a very low carbon footprint.

According to the company website, the Steveville facility has “an ultra-low operating cost due to it being self-powered by fuel gas co-produced from the two helium wells.”

"It's such a unique industry," said Andrew Davidson, the president and CEO of Royal Helium. "But it's been worth it and an excellent opportunity for Alberta  to take part in the next generational economy."

EXPANSION PLANS

The company has plans to build another couple wells in the area, which Royal Helium hopes pushes them to be a major producer.

Royal Helium says on its website that it “controls over 1,000,000 acres of prospective helium permits and leases across southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta.”

Smith said in a joint statement issued with energy and minerals minister Brian Jean that she sees the facility as a boost to the province.

"This investment is great news for our province as we continue to diversify our economy, pursue innovative technologies and grow our natural resources industry.

"Canada is currently the fifth-largest helium producer in the world, and Alberta is well-positioned to become a leader in Canadian helium production. Thanks to our unique geology, we have large helium reserves and that represents huge potential, especially when you consider that we also have the world’s largest consumer of helium just south of the border.

"It’s a testament to the knowledge, expertise and innovation in our province that this new facility has been designed, engineered and built in Alberta by Albertans. Moving forward, our skilled and experienced workforce will be able to use technology to drill wells and extract helium from deep underground.

"With a current global supply shortage, Alberta is positioned to deliver thanks to companies like Royal Helium Ltd. The Steveville helium plant will be critical in supporting ongoing helium industry development in Alberta and it will be a vital link in the worldwide helium supply chain.

"While the development of the helium industry in Alberta is in its early stages, the growth potential is high and the opportunities are obvious. Helium is a critical resource that plays a prominent role in the operation of medical imaging equipment, nuclear magnetic resonance, aerospace, defence and energy programs. It is also used in the manufacture of technology components like fibre optic cables and semiconductors.

"This is truly a homegrown win for jobs, our economy and the diversification of our province’s energy industry."