Summary of Vietnam's National Hydrogen Strategy (Decision No. 165/QĐ-TTg)
1. Overview
Vietnam's National Hydrogen Strategy, approved on February 7, 2024, aims to develop a hydrogen energy ecosystem by 2030, with a vision to 2050. The strategy focuses on green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy) to ensure energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition toward a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
2. Key Objectives
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By 2030:
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Produce 100,000–500,000 tons/year of hydrogen, primarily from renewables and carbon capture (CCS/CCUS).
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Pilot hydrogen use in electricity generation (coal/gas plants), transport (public/long-distance vehicles), and industry (steel, cement, chemicals).
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Develop infrastructure for storage, transport, and distribution.
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Encourage hydrogen exports using Vietnam’s renewable energy potential.
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By 2050:
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Scale production to 10–20 million tons/year, with hydrogen meeting ~10% of final energy demand.
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Fully integrate hydrogen into power generation, industry, and transport to achieve net-zero emissions.
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Establish Vietnam as a regional hub for clean energy and green hydrogen exports.
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3. Core Principles
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Align with national energy plans and global energy trends.
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Develop the entire hydrogen value chain (production, storage, transport, usage).
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Prioritize green hydrogen from renewables (e.g., offshore wind, solar).
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Foster international cooperation (e.g., COP, JETP, AZEC) for technology and funding.
4. Implementation Measures
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Policy & Legal Framework: Update laws to support hydrogen projects, incentivize private investment, and align with international standards.
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Funding: Mobilize domestic/foreign capital, green bonds, and public-private partnerships.
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Technology: Research and adopt advanced hydrogen production (electrolysis) and carbon capture (CCUS) technologies.
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Workforce: Train skilled labor and attract experts in hydrogen energy.
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Environment: Ensure projects comply with emissions reduction and biodiversity protection goals.
5. Sectoral Responsibilities
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Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): Lead strategy execution, policy updates, and project monitoring.
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Ministry of Science and Technology: Develop hydrogen tech standards and R&D programs.
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State-Owned Enterprises (e.g., EVN, PetroVietnam): Transition fossil-fuel plants to hydrogen/ammonia blends and pilot CCS projects.
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Provinces: Allocate land and facilitate hydrogen project approvals.
6. International Cooperation
Leverage global partnerships for funding, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing to accelerate Vietnam’s hydrogen economy.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s Hydrogen Strategy is a critical pillar of its energy transition, combining economic growth with climate goals. By prioritizing green hydrogen and systemic collaboration, Vietnam aims to become a leader in sustainable energy in Southeast Asia.
Key Focus Areas: Renewable hydrogen production, industrial decarbonization, infrastructure development, and export potential.
