The Global Hydrogen Review 2026, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), presents a comprehensive assessment of the global hydrogen landscape amid heightened geopolitical tensions. This sixth edition of the annual report offers critical insights into hydrogen demand, production, investment, policy frameworks, and infrastructure development, with particular emphasis on the impacts of the Middle East conflict on global supply chains and the pivotal role of China in the hydrogen revolution.

VINATech is one of the world's leading manufacturers of supercapacitors and green energy solutions. Founded on July 26, 1999, the company is headquartered in Jeonju, South Korea, with production facilities in Wanju, South Korea, and three factories in Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, and Ha Nam, Vietnam.

According to Decision No. 21/QĐ-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on April 30, 2026, "Systems for producing, storing, transporting and distributing green hydrogen and biofuels" have been officially recognized as a strategic technology product of Vietnam. The decision took effect from the date of signing and was published on the Government's electronic portal, marking an important milestone in the national energy and industrial development strategy.

Decision No. 876/QĐ-TTg dated July 22, 2022, by the Prime Minister of Vietnam approving the Action Program on Green Energy Transition and Reduction of Methane Emissions in the Transport Sector sets a target that by 2050, 100% of road motor vehicles, railway locomotives and carriages, and inland waterway vessels will be converted to use electricity and green energy. However, this document completely fails to mention hydrogen vehicles (Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles – FCVs) and ships powered by hydrogen or ammonia, even though these technologies are being aggressively advanced by pioneering countries worldwide.

United Hydrogen has unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell two‑wheeler, named the Hydrogen Two‑wheeler, aiming to promote green mobility and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

The Vietnam – ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) is pleased to introduce a major green hydrogen investment opportunity proposed by a project developer partner in Vietnam.

Carbon Nova is a China‑based company operating in the hydrogen energy technology sector. The company focuses on core technology R&D and high‑end equipment manufacturing across the entire hydrogen industrial chain – from production, storage and transport to end‑use applications. Carbon Nova also provides full‑process technical services, from core equipment to system integration.

South Korea has officially brought into effect the "Act on Promotion of Hydrogen Economy and Hydrogen Safety Management" (abbreviated as the Hydrogen Act) as of February 1, 2024, with the latest amendment dated October 31, 2023.

Japan's steel industry accounts for approximately 15% of the nation's total CO₂ emissions, making it one of the most carbon‑intensive sectors. From fiscal year 2026, Japan will implement Phase 2 of the GX‑ETS, requiring companies emitting over 100,000 tCO₂/year (including both blast furnace and electric arc furnace steelmakers) to participate. This analysis compares conventional BF‑BOF with green H₂‑Iron‑EAF using hydrogen direct reduced iron to assess the carbon price level needed to incentivise EAF deployment.

Thermocatalysis currently stands as the most bankable solution. However, biocatalysis and plasma catalysis may gain ground as technologies mature.

Ultimately, the competition is less about reaction pathways and more about access to low-cost renewable hydrogen.

During Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit:

• Hydrogen was not a headline topic
• But it is embedded within broader clean energy cooperation

In Vietnam–Japan relations:

Hydrogen represents:

• A long-term energy transition component
• A key industrial decarbonization pathway
• A future cross-border energy trade system (especially via ammonia)

Strategic takeaway

Hydrogen is not just an energy topic.

It is:

a mechanism for restructuring global industrial and energy trade systems over the next 20–30 years

Within this structure:

• Japan: system design, finance, and market creation
• Vietnam: resources, land, and geographic positioning
• Global technology providers: engineering and execution

The key strategic question for Vietnam is not whether to develop hydrogen, but:

What role Vietnam wants to play in the emerging hydrogen value chain: system participant or raw resource supplier?

Vietnam is entering a major acceleration phase in large-scale infrastructure development, with a dual objective: sustaining high economic growth while becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. In this strategy, transport infrastructure—especially aviation—is considered one of the central growth drivers.

According to international assessments, major infrastructure projects such as airports, seaports, and high-speed rail will play a key role in expanding development space and enhancing national competitiveness.

The Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center is being positioned as a key expansion component of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-sea port complex in Ba Ria – Vung Tau (now part of the expanded Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan region). This area is one of the most strategically important logistics hubs in Vietnam and among the leading deep-water port clusters in ASEAN.

The Lien Chieu Port project in Da Nang is being developed as a new international gateway port for Central Vietnam, and is positioned as a core infrastructure node within an integrated economic structure combining the Da Nang Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and the International Financial Center (IFC).

As part of its investment promotion mission to Japan, Hà Tĩnh Province organized an Investment Promotion Conference in Tokyo on May 12, 2026 at Vietnam Embassy in Tokyo, to present its development strategy, competitive advantages, and investment opportunities to the international business community, particularly Japanese investors.

日本における投資促進活動の一環として、ハティン省は東京にて投資促進会議を開催し、国際的なビジネスコミュニティ、特に日本の投資家に対し、同省の発展戦略、競争優位性および投資機会を紹介した。

Viena April 12, 2026 – As the world races toward a net-zero future, hydrogen is hailed as the fuel of tomorrow. Yet one question looms large: which hydrogen is truly “green”? The answer lies not in slogans but in cold, hard numbers – and the new international benchmark that sets the rules is ISO/TS 19870. Released by ISO and UNIDO in 2024, this is no dry technical manual. It is a practical, game-changing guide that standardizes how to calculate the partial carbon footprint of hydrogen from wellhead to consumption gate. For Vietnam, now drafting its national hydrogen strategy, ignoring this document could prove costly.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest‑growing megacities, challenged by traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change impacts. With over 1,000 km of creeks and rivers, the city has a distinct advantage to build a modern water transit system.

The Saigon Zero‑Emission Water Metro concept envisions an interconnected network of green hydrogen ferries operating on the Saigon River and key canals to link urban districts with regional transport destinations. A strategic priority is a route connecting the city center with Long Thanh International Airport, aiming to be the first airport‑linked water metro line in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), Pacific Group, in collaboration with Japanese spaceport technology partners, is currently seeking Vietnamese partners with large land holdings in the Ca Mau–Kien Giang region, as well as engagement with local and central government authorities and defense stakeholders, to jointly initiate a feasibility study for a zero-emission spaceport based on Japan’s lean development model.