COP30 Amazonia BELÉM Brazil 2025 Series: Hydrogen – A New Pillar for Vietnam’s Energy Security and Green Economy
by Ngo Khuyen, Vietnam Business Forum/VCCI
Low-emission hydrogen is anticipated to become a strategic feedback factor that ensures energy security while driving the growth of green industries.
In an interview with Business Forum Magazine, Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), emphasized that Vietnam’s natural resources and logistical advantages position it to emerge as a regional hydrogen hub. However, to realize this vision, Vietnam must “move fast but steadily,” combining international cooperation with domestic technology localization.
According to Mr. Minh, during the 2025–2035 period, the key goal is to attract investment, technology transfer, and demonstration projects from Japan, Korea, Germany, and Australia in order to rapidly develop a domestic hydrogen value chain. Vietnam can leverage its abundant renewable energy sources — such as solar, wind, and natural gas — to produce green hydrogen while utilizing existing infrastructure in the oil, gas, and transport sectors.
Regarding international cooperation, Vietnam is encouraged to strengthen partnerships with global technology corporations and organizations to establish a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain, encompassing production, storage, transportation, and utilization across industries such as manufacturing, mobility, and power generation.
At the same time, Mr. Minh underscored the importance of technology localization — gradually developing domestic capabilities in hydrogen equipment design, manufacturing, and operation. This strategic move would ensure technological autonomy, lower costs, enhance competitiveness, and create new jobs in the emerging energy sector.
In parallel with national strategies, Vietnam needs to soon establish a legal and policy framework for hydrogen, including safety standards, investment incentives, and green finance mechanisms to attract private-sector participation. This will lay the foundation for a domestic hydrogen market and support green hydrogen exports to key markets such as Japan, Korea, and Europe.
According to Mr. Minh, the initiatives promoted by VAHC — such as the green hydrogen–ammonia value chain and the ASEAN public–private partnership network — will enable Vietnam to gradually build a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem and make significant contributions to the country’s net-zero target by 2050.
He concluded: “With a clear roadmap, strong international collaboration, and active technology localization, Vietnam has the potential to become a regional leader in green hydrogen within Southeast Asia.”
Hydrogen – Vietnam’s New Pillar for Energy Security and Green Economy
Interview with Mr. Lê Ngọc Anh Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC)
Low-emission hydrogen is increasingly seen as a “strategic factor” for ensuring energy security and promoting the development of green industries.
In an interview with Vietnam Business Forum Magazine, Mr. Lê Ngọc Anh Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), noted that Vietnam’s advantages in natural resources, logistics, and human capital position the country well to become a regional hydrogen hub. However, he emphasized that this process must follow the principle of “fast yet steady progress,” combining deep international cooperation with domestic technology localization.
Q: What steps are necessary for hydrogen to become a “new pillar” of Vietnam’s energy security?
A: Between 2025 and 2035, the most critical priorities are attracting investment and facilitating technology transfer. Vietnam should leverage strategic partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Australia to establish pilot projects and domestic hydrogen value chains.
We can harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and natural gas for green hydrogen production, while taking advantage of existing oil, gas, and energy transport infrastructure. Additionally, standardizing technical and safety regulations is essential for building a viable hydrogen market.
Q: Could you elaborate on the role of international cooperation in this process?
A: International collaboration is key. Vietnam needs to strengthen links with global organizations, companies, and investment funds to jointly develop a complete hydrogen supply chain – from production, storage, and transport to applications in industry, transportation, and power generation.
It is important not only to import technology but also to gradually localize it by developing domestic capabilities in equipment design, manufacturing, and operation. This sustainable approach helps Vietnam gain technological independence, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and create new jobs.
Q: What conditions should Vietnam prepare to establish a national hydrogen ecosystem?
A: First, a national legal and policy framework for hydrogen is essential, including technical standards, investment incentives, green financing policies, and measures to encourage private sector participation. Concurrently, infrastructure for hydrogen production and storage must be developed, including pipelines, specialized ports, transport systems, and distribution hubs.
Another crucial factor is high-quality human resources. The government, businesses, and universities need to collaborate to train engineers and specialists in hydrogen technology, advanced materials, and renewable energy.
Q: What initiatives is VAHC currently promoting along this roadmap?
A: VAHC is implementing several key initiatives, such as the Green Hydrogen–Ammonia value chain and a public–private cooperation network across ASEAN. The goals are to promote technology exchange, technical training, pilot projects, and attract international investment.
We believe that with a clear roadmap, extensive international cooperation, and domestic technology localization, Vietnam can become a pioneer in green hydrogen in Southeast Asia, making a tangible contribution to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
