VAHC Partners with South Korea's CNA-Energy to Develop Micro-Hydro and Hydrogen in Vietnam's Central Highlands

 

September 8, 2026, Annie Nguyen of VAHC Secretariat 

 

HCMC – As part of the 2026 Business Connection & Trade Program organized by Jeonnam Technopark (South Korea) in Ho Chi Minh City from September 7 to 11, the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) held working sessions and agreed to cooperate with CNA-Energy, represented by Mr. Byungheon Han.

 

 

CNA-Energy (www.cna-energy.com) is a South Korean company specializing in micro-hydro power generators designed for direct installation in water channels, ditches, streams, and waterfalls. The technology uses water flow to spin turbine blades for power generation, and can be fixed-installed in small channels or floating-anchored in wide rivers, suitable for Vietnam's diverse terrain.

 

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on September 8, both parties agreed to collaborate on research and pilot project implementation in Vietnam's Central Highlands region. Project objectives include providing electricity for resorts and agricultural farms, while using this clean power source to produce hydrogen for energy storage needs.

 

 

Micro-hydro technology has proven effective in Vietnam. According to UNDP reports, micro-hydro systems in Vietnam currently provide approximately 30-75 MW for about 100,000 households, with potential up to 90-150 MW serving over 200,000 households . Combining micro-hydro with hydrogen production creates a sustainable energy solution for remote areas.

 

CNA-Energy is among the South Korean enterprises participating in the connection event organized by Jeonnam Technopark, alongside companies such as Feelstone, Wind Valley, and hunitech . The seminar and product exhibition program will continue on September 10 at SIHUB (123 Truong Dinh, HCMC).

 

 

VAHC is an organization founded and chaired by Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, aiming to create a forum connecting policymakers, scientists, researchers, and investors in the hydrogen sector in Vietnam and the ASEAN region.

 

BOTH SIDES WILL CARRY OUT FEASIBILITY STUDY ON INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY & GREEN HYDROGEN FOR KARUIZAWA LD RESORT

 

Leveraging the unique advantage of the natural Liêng Kơm Đá stream flowing through the property, the Karuizawa LD project will integrate a micro-hydro power system combined with solar power to produce green hydrogen on-site, serving the resort's energy needs. This is a strategic step toward realizing a "Zero-Carbon Luxury Resort" – a pioneer in Southeast Asia.

The project of Karuizawa LD

 

1. Application of CNA-ENERGY Micro-Hydro Technology

CNA-Energy is a South Korean company specializing in micro-hydro power generators designed for direct installation in water channels, ditches, streams, and waterfalls. The technology uses water flow to spin turbine blades for power generation, and can be fixed-installed in small channels or floating-anchored in wide rivers, suitable for Vietnam's diverse terrain.

 

VAHC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CNA-Energy on September 8, 2026, to collaborate on research and pilot project implementation in Vietnam's Central Highlands, including Lac Duong, Lam Dong.

 

Expected Technical Specifications for Karuizawa LD:

• Installed Capacity: 10-50 kW (depending on flow rate and head of Liêng Kơm Đá stream)

• Technology: Cross-flow or Pelton turbine, suitable for mountain stream flow and head conditions

• Installation Location: Lower end of the stream before it leaves the property, utilizing natural gradient and flow

• Expected Output: Approximately 15-20 kW (equivalent to 130-175 MWh/year, sufficient for the resort's basic electricity needs)

 

2. Solar Power Integration

In addition to micro-hydro, the resort will install solar PV panels on villa roofs and the reception building, leveraging Lam Dong's abundant solar potential:

• Installed Capacity: 50-80 kWp

• Expected Annual Output: 70-110 MWh/year

• Locations: Rooftops of buildings, parking areas, and landscape hill areas (ground-mounted)

 

3. On-site Green Hydrogen Production

Clean electricity from micro-hydro and solar power will be used to operate a water electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen on-site.

Expected Hydrogen Production Capacity:

• Electrolyzer Capacity: 10-20 kW (modular, expandable)

• Hydrogen Output: 3-5 kg/day (equivalent to 1-1.8 tons/year)

 

4. Hydrogen Application in resort operation

4.1. Hydrogen Cooking

Green hydrogen will be used as fuel for hydrogen stoves, replacing imported LPG:

• Reduces fuel costs (hydrogen produced on-site)

• Zero CO₂ emissions (combustion byproduct is water vapor)

• Enhances energy self-sufficiency and meets green criteria for the Farm-to-Table restaurant.

 

4.2. Backup Power Generation (Fuel Cell)

Stored hydrogen (compressed or liquefied) will be used in a fuel cell system for power generation:

• Role: Backup power during bad weather, or nighttime generation to compensate for solar shortfall.

• Expected Capacity: 10-15 kW, sufficient to power the entire resort during grid outages.

 

Reference: A trial using the Toyota Mirai to supply electricity to a historic house in Fukushima, Japan, in September 2026. The Mirai serves as both a means of transport for residents and a power source for the home's daily electricity needs.

 

4.3. Green Mobility (Hydrogen Vehicles)

Hydrogen will fuel internal transportation:

• Hydrogen fuel cell golf carts (guest transport within the resort)

• Light hydrogen trucks (cargo transport from Farm-to-Table operations)

• Mini refueling station: Located in the designated parking area for internal vehicles.

 

5. System Integration Diagram

[Liêng Kơm Đá Stream] → [Micro-Hydro Turbine] ────────────┐
                                                           │
[Solar PV Rooftops] → [Solar Power] ──────────────────────┼── [Power for Resort]
                                                           │
                                                           ▼
                                                    [Water Electrolyzer]
                                                           │
                                                           ▼
                                                    [Green Hydrogen Storage]
                                                           │
                ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────┐
                │                                                │                                    │
                ▼                                                ▼                                    ▼
    [Hydrogen Stoves]                                   [Fuel Cell System]                   [Refueling Station]
    (Farm-to-Table Restaurant)                         (Backup Power)                (Golf Carts, Light Trucks)

 

6. Benefits of the integrated solution

Benefit	Description
Energy Independence	Reduced reliance on the national grid and imported fuels
Zero-Carbon Resort	All operational energy from renewables and green hydrogen
Long-Term Cost Savings	Reduced electricity, gas, and transport fuel costs
Enhanced Appeal for High-End Guests	Meets the "sustainable luxury" trend favored by international travelers
Regional Pioneer	First integrated micro-hydro, solar, and hydrogen model in Southeast Asia
Energy Storage Capacity	Hydrogen provides long-duration storage, complementing intermittent renewables

 

7. Conclusion

Integrating CNA-Energy's micro-hydro system with solar power and on-site green hydrogen production will make Karuizawa LD the first self-sufficient, zero-emission ultra-luxury resort in Southeast Asia. This is not only a sustainable operational solution but also a unique brand positioning value, appealing to high-net-worth international travelers – especially Japanese guests – who increasingly prioritize responsible and environmentally conscious travel.

 

The partnership with VAHC and CNA-Energy brings technology and expertise, ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of this model. This strategic move will enable the project not only to achieve financial targets but also to establish a pioneering position in the sustainable development trend of the high-end hospitality industry in Vietnam.

 

Partners who show interest in this Project, please reach to us at contact@vahc.com.vn for more information.

 

 

#VAHC #CNAEnergy #MicroHydro #Hydrogen #JeonnamTechnopark #RenewableEnergy #VietnamKoreaPartnership #GreenHydrogen