New Zealand's Hydrogen Potential and International Cooperation in the Context of General Secretary To Lam's Visit
Annie Nguyễn
August 12, 2026
General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to New Zealand is opening opportunities to promote bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of energy transition and sustainable development . In this context, New Zealand's hydrogen potential and international cooperation projects are attracting significant attention.
General Secretary and President To Lam met with officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand on August 12, 2026.
New Zealand's National Hydrogen Strategy
New Zealand has taken concrete steps to develop its hydrogen industry. In November 2024, the Government released a Hydrogen Action Plan . This plan replaces the Interim Hydrogen Roadmap published in 2023 and sets out four key priorities:
-
Creating an enabling regulatory environment
-
Reducing barriers for hydrogen projects
-
Promoting a cost-effective and market-led transition to a low-emissions economy
-
Supporting access to international investment and markets
With the goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2035, New Zealand possesses immense potential to produce "green hydrogen" from abundant geothermal and hydroelectric sources . The Government has also invested millions of dollars in research and pilot projects, and has signed international cooperation agreements, including a Memorandum of Cooperation on hydrogen with Japan.
Obayashi: From Geothermal Energy in NZ to Power Generators in Fiji
Japan is one of New Zealand's most important strategic partners in this field. Leading Japanese construction group Obayashi Corporation is playing a pioneering role, partnering with the Tūaropaki Trust (a Māori organization) to establish the joint venture Halcyon Power.
-
Geothermal hydrogen production: Halcyon Power operates a green hydrogen production plant in Mokai, using electricity from a nearby geothermal plant to power electrolyzers .
-
Refueling station: In April 2024, Obayashi opened New Zealand's first fast hydrogen refueling station.
-
Export pilot to Fiji: In January 2025, Obayashi successfully completed the first shipment of green hydrogen from New Zealand to Fiji . The hydrogen was transported by sea to Lautoka Port for use in a hybrid diesel-hydrogen generator, providing power to buildings at the terminal . This was a significant milestone, proving the feasibility of maritime hydrogen transport in the region.
Obayashi successfully exported a shipment of green hydrogen from New Zealand to Fiji in January 2025.
The New Zealand-Japan Hydrogen Corridor
In March 2026, a consortium consisting of Obayashi, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Chiyoda Corporation officially launched the "Japan–New Zealand Hydrogen Corridor" initiative.
-
Objective: To study the feasibility and commercialization of large-scale green hydrogen production in New Zealand for export to Japan, expected to begin in the early 2030s.
-
Drivers: Japan has low energy self-sufficiency and limited renewable resources, while New Zealand possesses abundant renewable potential. The project is expected to enhance Japan's energy security and create a new export industry for New Zealand.
-
Scope: The consortium will study the entire supply chain, from electrolyzer locations and securing renewable supply, to selecting transport technologies (liquefaction or hydrogen carriers), port logistics, and commercial frameworks.
Obayashi, Kawasaki, Chiyoda, and MOL corporations will establish a New Zealand-to-Japan hydrogen corridor in March 2026.
Hydrogen Cooperation Potential with Vietnam
Within the framework of General Secretary To Lam's visit and the Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, renewable energy cooperation is a key focus . The potential for cooperation in hydrogen is substantial.
-
Obayashi's interest in Vietnam: Obayashi has taken concrete steps to enter the Vietnamese market. At the Vietnam Future Energy Summit 2025, the company introduced a solution to build an independent green hydrogen supply chain, helping to solve Vietnam's "grid paradox" . This involves using curtailed renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, then transporting it directly to industrial parks, independent of the national grid .
-
New Zealand's strengths: New Zealand can share its experience in developing strategies, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnership models (such as the joint venture model with the Tūaropaki Trust) with Vietnam.
-
Similarities: Both countries possess significant renewable energy potential (Vietnam with wind and solar, New Zealand with geothermal and hydro) and a pressing need for decarbonization in industry and transport.
Special welcoming ceremony for General Secretary and President To Lam in New Zealand
The welcoming ceremony for General Secretary and President To Lam was held according to the traditional rituals of the Maori people.
Hydrogen cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand could therefore take place on multiple levels: (1) Experience sharing and policy development, (2) Technology transfer and investment attraction from groups like Obayashi, and (3) Joint research and development of specific projects. General Secretary To Lam's visit creates strong political momentum for both sides to realize this potential, contributing to the green energy transition goals of both nations.
