VAHC Workshop Recap: Hydrogen – Injection Technology for Internal Combustion Engines and the Future of Green Energy
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Ho Chi Minh City, September 16, 2025 – In an energetic and open atmosphere, more than 30 delegates from diplomatic missions, energy companies, research institutes, universities, and international law organizations came together for the workshop “Hydrogen Injection Technology for Internal Combustion Engines – A Solution to Reduce Fuel Costs & Emissions”, jointly organized by the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics & Finance (UEF).
The event became a key “meeting point” for pioneering ideas on the application of hydrogen in transportation and green logistics, while opening broader perspectives on policy, finance, legal frameworks, and international cooperation.
After the opening remarks by Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of VAHC, Dr. Nhan Cam Tri, Vice President of UEF, and Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Quang, Chairman of Ikonomy Corporation, the workshop moved into a series of innovative presentations.
A Surprising Kick-off: Exploring the Endless Source of Natural Hydrogen
Before the speeches of the diplomats and onsite speakers, the workshop delivered a major surprise when Dr. Viacheslav Shirakikh, Founder & CEO of Hydrogen Age, sent a video message from Barcelona, Spain.
He introduced a completely new approach: natural hydrogen – based on a 1960s theory by Soviet scientist Vladimir Laurin – which posits that hydrogen continuously seeps out of the Earth’s core in an inexhaustible manner. According to Dr. Shirakikh, humanity’s remaining task is simply to find a way to capture, store, and utilize this hydrogen as a clean, endless, and lowest-cost energy source.
Many delegates expressed excitement and asked questions about potential extraction technologies, signaling that “natural hydrogen” could open up an entirely new direction for research and investment in Vietnam and the region.
Russian Consul Delivers a “Strategic Jolt” with a Long-Term Vision
Right after this session, the atmosphere in the hall heated up further when Mr. Mikhail Berkutov, Consul of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh City, took the stage. He delivered a panoramic view of Russia’s national hydrogen strategy with a long-term vision and a concrete roadmap through 2050.
Unlike the usual diplomatic welcome remarks, Mr. Berkutov’s presentation was described as “deeply expert” with insightful analysis of:
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The phased development of Russia’s green and blue hydrogen sectors.
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Plans to export hydrogen to the Asia-Pacific region.
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Commitments to maintain project timelines despite global energy market fluctuations.
Delegates could not hide their surprise and appreciation after his speech. It became clear that Russia is serious about hydrogen and could be a high-quality, cost-competitive supplier for Vietnam and ASEAN – provided that sensitive factors such as sanctions barriers are navigated.
IKONOMY – A Tech Startup “Touching the Future of Fisheries”
Next came an energetic presentation by Dr. Duong Mien Ka, Vice Chairman of IKONOMY Corporation. With confidence and passion, he introduced a solution to inject hydrogen into fishing vessel engines, powered by solar panels mounted on the vessel roof and micro wind turbines installed directly on deck.
What stood out was not only the technology, but also the financial and digital model:
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Using cryptocurrency and blockchain to build a fishery logistics supply chain.
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Helping fishermen cut emissions, save costs, and access services such as refrigeration, repairs, and refueling right at sea.
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Creating a cross-border digital ecosystem extending beyond Vietnam to the entire Southeast Asian region.
Dr. Ka concluded with a powerful message:
“We want to turn the fishing vessel into not just a harvesting tool, but a part of an intelligent network where clean energy and data are tightly connected.”
PV Gas – Affirming Its Pioneering Position in Clean Hydrogen
In a much-anticipated presentation, Dr. Doan Xuan Tien, Deputy Head of R&D, announced that starting from Q1/2026, PV Gas will officially operate the first clean hydrogen production facility in Vietnam.
Notably, he shared the successful trial at Vung Ang Port (Ha Tinh), where clean hydrogen was injected into the internal combustion engines of heavy equipment serving port logistics operations. This revelation drew intense attention from the audience, who asked numerous questions about production scale, operating costs, and commercialization plans.
Nishimura & Asahi – The Investor’s Legal Perspective
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phuc, Senior Associate at Nishimura & Asahi Vietnam, delivered a structured presentation on the opportunities and risks of investing in Vietnam’s hydrogen sector.
He emphasized the importance of:
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Preparing legal, technical, and environmental documentation thoroughly.
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Closely monitoring carbon pricing policies and investment incentives.
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Leveraging FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) to expand hydrogen product exports.
Vietnam Petroleum Institute – Policy Must Take the Lead
Representing the research community, Dr. Nguyen Huu Luong, Senior Hydrogen Expert at VPI, analyzed Vietnam’s hydrogen policy landscape within the global context and proposed three solution groups:
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Carbon credit mechanisms to incentivize corporate participation.
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Investment in hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure.
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Pilot special policies to help businesses reduce risk and enter the market early.
Delta International JSC – “The Harsh Reality” of Green Logistics
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Southern Branch Director, shared a frank perspective: customers want green logistics services but are not yet willing to pay a premium. She proposed demonstration projects with real data to convince both the market and investors.
Closing – Opening a Multi-Dimensional Dialogue
The workshop concluded in a lively atmosphere of discussion. Dr. Majo George, representing UEF, thanked VAHC and expressed the university’s desire to cooperate on implementing practical demonstration models tailored to the partners’ conditions.
The participation of Dr. Viacheslav Shirakikh, Consul Mikhail Berkutov, and the highly informative contributions from IKONOMY, PV Gas, Nishimura & Asahi, VPI, and Delta International JSC turned the workshop into a forum connecting policy – technology – investment, rather than merely a technical showcase.
