VAHC Proposes Promoting Standardization, Project Piloting, and Diversification of Hydrogen Production Sources in Vietnam
09/05/2026
Annie Nguyen
At the workshop “Mechanisms, Policies, and Technical Requirements in the Hydrogen Energy Industry in Vietnam” organized by the Department of Coal and Oil and Gas – Ministry of Industry and Trade on May 8, 2026, the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) offered numerous suggestions related to standards, policies, and market development orientations for hydrogen in Vietnam.
A VAHC representative stated that the National Standards, Metrology and Quality Committee is currently establishing a technical committee to develop the national standard TCVN/TC 197 on hydrogen technology starting in March 2026. TCVN/TC 197 is based on ISO TC/197. VAHC was invited to participate in this technical committee and requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant units to strengthen connections with the Committee to update and share information to ensure the synchronization of domestic and international standards.
Regarding development policy, VAHC believes that the National Hydrogen Strategy, issued in February 2024, has been in effect for more than two years. Therefore, a detailed implementation roadmap should be developed soon for each sector, including energy and electricity, transportation, industry, and other applications. Simultaneously, it is necessary to promote demonstration projects on a real-world scale similar to the models in Indonesia and Malaysia, in order to obtain specific measurable data for policy planning.
VAHC also recommended that the Government consider a mechanism to provide financial support for pilot projects through the state budget, and to apply mechanisms such as Contract for Difference (CfD) or cost differential support to help businesses implement the first hydrogen projects. Some projects being discussed include proposals from The Green Solution, Indefol, and PV Gas.
Regarding the integration of international standards as a foundation for exports and mutual recognition of standards, VAHC proposes that the Ministry consider its proposal to join the ISO TC/197 Technical Committee as an observer or member of ISO/TC 197 - hydrogen technology. Currently, in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a full member, while Thailand and Indonesia hold observer status.
Another important point emphasized by VAHC is the need to diversify hydrogen production methods. Besides electrolysis – which is a global focus – the trend of natural hydrogen is emerging in many countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Canada, and the United States. In ASEAN, the Philippines has also begun exploration activities. Vietnam, with its long-standing oil and gas industry, can leverage its geological and exploration capabilities to further research this development direction, aiming to diversify supply sources and reduce hydrogen production costs in the long term.
According to VAHC, the long-term goal is to find multiple competitive hydrogen production pathways, instead of relying on a single technology.
VAHC also announced that it will organize a workshop on international hydrogen policy references and international standards on May 29, 2026, at the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation Center, to further promote policy discussions and connect the business community.
