Obayashi Paves the Way for Vietnam’s Green Hydrogen Sector to Overcome the “Grid Paradox”

Ho Chi Minh City, November 27, 2025 – As Vietnam continues to grapple with grid infrastructure constraints that hinder renewable-energy development, Japan’s leading construction and energy group Obayashi Corporation has introduced a breakthrough solution: building an independent green-hydrogen supply chain that converts surplus renewable electricity into clean fuel delivered directly to industrial users.

This message was delivered by Mr. Rinkou Aki, Senior General Manager of the Green Energy Division, during his keynote address at the Vietnam Future Energy Summit 2025 held at New World Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

From Global Experience to Practical Solutions for Vietnam

Mr. Aki emphasized that Obayashi is not only a 134-year-old construction giant but also a seasoned developer of renewable-energy assets. With 37 solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal plants totaling 285 MW operating in Japan, along with international renewable projects in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, Obayashi has established a strong foundation to advance into green hydrogen production.

“We did not start from zero. Our experience in developing and operating renewable-energy projects forms the backbone of our green-hydrogen business—the final and essential link to store and transport clean energy,” he stated.

A Three-Phase Hydrogen Strategy: From New Zealand to Asia

Obayashi’s roadmap begins in New Zealand, where over 85% of electricity comes from renewable sources, forming the ideal launchpad for Phase 1: domestic hydrogen supply.

Through its joint venture Halcyon Power, Obayashi built a geothermal-powered green-hydrogen production plant and began market testing in December 2021. By April 2024, the company had launched New Zealand’s first fast hydrogen refueling station.

Phase 2 focuses on hydrogen export. In November 2024, Obayashi successfully shipped New Zealand-produced hydrogen to Fiji to power electricity generators—a key milestone proving the feasibility of maritime hydrogen transport. Singapore is expected to be the next strategic destination.

Looking forward to Phase 3, Obayashi aims to scale hydrogen exports from New Zealand to Japan and Singapore. Mr. Aki revealed ongoing plans to establish a New Zealand Hydrogen Export Association to unite producers, transporters, and end users, jointly developing markets and common standards.

A “Grid-Independent” Solution for Vietnam’s Energy Bottleneck

The highlight of the presentation was the parallels drawn between Vietnam’s current challenges and Obayashi’s operating model.

Mr. Aki identified Vietnam’s “grid paradox”: enormous renewable-energy potential in solar and wind, yet limited grid capacity leading to curtailment, financial losses, and underutilized resources. At the same time, industrial zones have urgent demand for clean energy to meet sustainability and export requirements—but cannot access it due to grid bottlenecks.

“Our solution is a business model that does not rely on the electricity grid,” Mr. Aki emphasized. “Surplus renewable electricity can be used to produce green hydrogen. That hydrogen is then stored in high-pressure tanks and delivered by truck directly to factories and industrial parks.”

This model brings dual benefits:

• Renewable producers gain a new revenue stream, reducing curtailment losses.

• Industrial consumers receive reliable clean energy for decarbonization without heavy upfront investment.

Commitment to Long-Term Partnership with Vietnam

Concluding his speech, Mr. Aki reaffirmed Obayashi’s commitment to close cooperation with the Vietnamese Government and local partners. With global experience, strong financial capabilities, and a clear strategic plan, Obayashi aims to offer Vietnam not just a technology, but a practical pathway to unlock its renewable-energy potential and turn grid challenges into an opportunity to lead Southeast Asia’s green-hydrogen transition.

Reprsentatives from NEDO attended the Summit