Hydrogen technology and partners

In the global quest for clean and sustainable energy, most scientific, corporate, and governmental attention is focused on green hydrogen (produced via electrolysis using renewable energy) or grey hydrogen (from natural gas). However, a lesser-known yet profoundly fascinating story with the potential to reshape our understanding of energy is slowly emerging: native hydrogen, also known as white or geologic hydrogen.

From Fukushima–Fukuoka, Java, China to Vietnam's borders and Europe: The race to build hydrogen transport infrastructure has begun. For many years, the big question for the hydrogen industry was: How can we produce hydrogen at a competitive cost? But now, another question is becoming equally important: How do we deploy hydrogen for long-haul transport at scale, with real trucks, real cargo, real refuelling stations, and stable commercial demand? The answers are gradually emerging in many countries:

In the context of the energy transition, hydrogen and ammonia are often referred to as "energy carriers" – molecules used to transport and store energy from production sites to consumption points. However, this perspective is becoming increasingly incomplete as both molecules are now being deployed directly as fuels across various sectors, from transportation to power generation. The distinction between "carrier" and "fuel" lies not in the molecular structure, but in the purpose of use and the energy conversion technology applied.

Moving forward, it is essential to conduct more large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials, verify the reproducibility of research findings, and elucidate the mechanisms by which hydrogen interacts with the human body. Will the accumulation of research confirm the true potential of hydrogen, or will its effects prove limited to specific conditions or contexts? Future research will provide the answer.

As discussed previously, hydrogen water became a social issue around 2016 due to concerns regarding hydrogen concentrations in products and advertising claims that went beyond established scientific evidence. Since then, some improvements have been observed in products, and "Foods with Function Claims"—which designate hydrogen as a functional ingredient—have appeared on the market.

Vietnam's coal mining industry, particularly in the Quang Ninh region, is facing a severe environmental challenge due to substantial emissions from transport and mining equipment using diesel engines. According to the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV), the volume of waste rock and soil in Quang Ninh alone reaches 150 million m³ annually. To transport this volume, TKV operates numerous heavy-duty trucks, with payloads ranging from 58 to 100 tons, and has

recently tested 130-ton electrically driven trucks.

It has been over a decade since "hydrogen water" became a major craze, igniting fierce debates over its health benefits. While products touting their effects flooded the market, skeptical voices questioning the scientific basis grew equally strong. In 2013, the magazine Shukan Bunshun made waves with a provocative cover story, independently measuring the hydrogen concentration of commercial hydrogen water and supplements, dividing them into "real" and "fake" categories. This sparked heated arguments and rebuttals from manufacturers, eventually drawing in the National Consumer Affairs Center for product testing and the Consumer Affairs Agency for administrative actions.

These past few days, the skies over Cà Mau have been filled with vibrant colors from 34 hot air balloons at the festival held here for the first time, attracting thousands of locals and tourists. This event not only offers a novel tourism experience but also hints at a much larger potential: using airships as cargo transport vehicles in Vietnam's emerging low-altitude economy.

On August 23, 2026, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially passed the amended Oil and Gas Law with an approval rate of 94.6% (473 out of 475 delegates). More than a technical revision, this 12-chapter, 62-article law marks a strategic shift: from a legal framework for traditional resource extraction to building a solid legal foundation for a modern energy industry, with a focus on sustainable development and climate change response.

UNIHYS is a specialized manufacturer of connection solutions for the hydrogen, LNG, and high-pressure industrial gas industries. Established on July 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea, the company has rapidly established its position with KGS (Korea Gas Safety Corporation)-certified products and international collaborations.

On August 20, 2026, the "Energy Evolution" event took place at the Eastin Grand Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by Phoenix Contact Group in collaboration with the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) . The event brought together leading experts in energy and automation, focusing on the role of hydrogen and Power-to-X technology in the global energy transition strategy . This was not merely a technology event but potentially a milestone marking the beginning of a broader dialogue on how Vietnam will participate in the regional and global Hydrogen and Power-to-X economy.

As humanity begins to contemplate long-term settlement on the Moon and Mars, questions about energy and survival become paramount. If the Moon is a stepping stone, Mars represents the ultimate challenge, and hydrogen is the key to both. Not just an energy source, hydrogen plays a central role in a closed-loop cycle, allowing humans to utilize local resources on the Red Planet to survive and thrive.

Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji, is not only famous for its natural landscapes but is also asserting Japan's pioneering position in the field of green hydrogen. Leading this strategy is Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, who has been actively promoting a global green hydrogen vision, transforming Yamanashi into a technology hub and an ambitious international cooperation bridge.

On August 14, 2026, the European Commission published the CBAM guidance documents for the definitive period, including "Guidance Document 5C: Sector-Specific Guidance Document on Fertilisers." This document provides detailed explanations of monitoring and reporting requirements for fertiliser producers outside the EU when exporting to the bloc's market, effective from January 1, 2026.

Vietnam, with its strategic government policy (10 strategic technology groups including both semiconductors and green hydrogen), growing semiconductor ecosystem, and increasing foreign investment, holds significant potential to become a hydrogen consumer for semiconductor applications. Demand for pure hydrogen will grow in parallel with Vietnam's semiconductor industry development and the realization of green hydrogen production targets. The domestic production of green hydrogen to serve semiconductor fabs could create a sustainable, self-reinforcing ecosystem for high-tech manufacturing in Vietnam.

Hydrogen injection technology in internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) has made significant advances in recent years, particularly in heavy-duty trucks and industrial applications. Key technical challenges are being addressed, and the economic viability is becoming clearer. The Direct Injection (DI) method is emerging as the technology standard, outperforming Port Fuel Injection (PFI) in efficiency and abnormal combustion control.

The inauguration of Tokuyama Vietnam Co., Ltd.'s polysilicon manufacturing plant at the Phu My 3 Specialized Industrial Park on August 13, 2026, marks not only a significant milestone for Vietnam's semiconductor industry but also opens up enormous potential for the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in the region. The inherent connection between polysilicon production and high-purity hydrogen creates a strategic opportunity to build a circular economy model and integrate clean energy.

As the global renewable energy market expands, energy storage has become the industry's biggest bottleneck. With Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPA) gaining momentum, businesses are not only demanding clean energy but also stability in power supply.