VAHC and EVEDI Strengthen Strategic Cooperation: Signing MOU Renewal and Expanding R&D Project Portfolio at November Exhibition
November 1, 2026
Annie Nguyen
On October 27, 2026, the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) and the Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute (EVEDI)—an organization invested by KEPCO, KPS, and KDN and supported by the provincial government of Jeollanam-do, Naju City, and Gwangju Metropolitan City (South Korea)—held a crucial online working meeting. The meeting aimed to review previously discussed cooperation agendas and map out a concrete action plan for the 2026–2028 period.
Photo: An online meeting held on October 27, 2026, ahead of a visit to Vietnam by a delegation of South Korean energy companies—led by EVEDI—to participate in the VINAMAC Expo, taking place from November 23–28, 2026.
1. Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Both parties reached a strong consensus on renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) originally signed on September 25, 2024. Instead of holding a new signing ceremony, VAHC and EVEDI agreed to extend their cooperation for another two years through the exchange of official letters. Notably, the two sides plan to meet in person and officially sign the MOU renewal on November 25, 2026, on the sidelines of the VINAMAC EXPO 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo of the MoU signing ceremony between VAHC and EVEDI, held on September 25, 2026, during the Korea-Vietnam Energy Week at WTC Binh Duong.
2. Expanding the Portfolio of International R&D Cooperation Areas
The focus of the meeting was on discussing opportunities for International Joint R&D Cooperation in the energy sector (under the framework of the Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, managed by KETEP). Rather than being limited to a single microgrid project, both parties agreed to expand the cooperation portfolio to various potential areas, including:
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Energy Management Platforms (Digital Twin): Applied to buildings and industrial parks (referencing the Laos demonstration project).
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Region-Specific Microgrid Models: Integrating renewable energy, energy storage systems, and load management.
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Hydrogen Value Chain: Hydrogen production technologies (SOEC/PEM electrolysis), hydrogen generators, reformers, liquid hydrogen storage tanks, and fuel cells.
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Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Lithium batteries, power conversion systems (PCS), and grid integration.
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Energy Efficiency and Environment: Solutions for fine dust reduction and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in eco-industrial development.
Photo of the new EVEDI Chairman, Dr. Huynchan (HC) Lee, meeting with VAHC at the Vietnam Green Expo, Ho Chi Minh City, July 2026
3. Business Connection and Detailed Discussions at the November Exhibition
EVEDI will lead a delegation of approximately 8 root-industry and energy companies from Jeollanam-do to attend the "Roots Business Connect Vietnam 2026" program and the VINAMAC EXPO 2026 (from November 23–28, 2026, at SECC, HCMC).
On VAHC's side, the association will actively support in connecting these Korean businesses with Vietnamese partners. Specifically, VAHC will provide a list of interested companies, support the invitation of government agencies, research institutes, and project developers in the fields of hydrogen, renewable energy, ESS, and power equipment to attend and engage in 1:1 matchmaking.
Notably, on November 25, 2026, the two parties will hold the official MOU renewal signing ceremony and dedicate time for detailed discussions on each specific cooperation project. This is a crucial preparatory step for both sides to align on technical and financial details and assign responsibilities before officially submitting funding applications.
4. Conclusion: VAHC Proactively Prepares a Diverse Project Portfolio to Attract Funding
Concluding the meeting, both parties committed to continued close coordination. On VAHC's side, the association will proactively prepare and develop more projects across various fields in the coming time. The goal is to collaborate with EVEDI to jointly submit funding applications and maximize support budgets from the Korean Government (through KETEP and other development funds) to officially formalize and implement demonstration and R&D projects in Vietnam, elevating the Korea-Vietnam cooperation in hydrogen and energy into a more substantive and effective phase.
Partners—including universities specializing in engineering, technology, industry, transport, and maritime studies, as well as energy project owners—may contact VAHC to explore collaboration opportunities via email at: contact@vahc.com.vn
