On 20 January 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) officially submitted Report No. 19-01-26 BCT to the Government, providing a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy after nearly two years since the strategy was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 165/QĐ-TTg dated 7 February 2024.
This report is not merely an internal review document, but is also regarded as an important statement affirming Viet Nam’s determination and concrete roadmap in the global race for clean energy. As one of the first 50 countries worldwide to promulgate a national hydrogen strategy, Viet Nam—through this MOIT report—offers a detailed overview of initial progress, emerging flagship projects, candidly identifies existing challenges, and proposes breakthrough solutions to translate strategic objectives into reality.
Below is the detailed content analyzed from this important report.
Viet Nam Accelerates Green Hydrogen Development: Strategy, Pioneer Projects, and the Road Ahead
29 January 2026
Against the backdrop of the global acceleration toward clean energy transition, Viet Nam is asserting its position through an ambitious strategy: becoming a regional hub for the production and export of green hydrogen. With the issuance of the Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy in early 2024, Viet Nam not only joined the group of the first 50 pioneering countries worldwide in this field, but also set strategic goals aimed at ensuring energy security and fulfilling its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Emerging Flagship Green Hydrogen Projects
The strategy has quickly attracted strong interest and investment commitments from both domestic and international enterprises. A series of large-scale projects are being developed in key coastal provinces, promising to place Viet Nam on the global clean energy map:
Tra Vinh Green Hydrogen Plant Project:
This pioneering project is being invested in by The Green Solutions Group (TGS) in the Dinh An Economic Zone. With a designed capacity of 24,000 tonnes of hydrogen, 182,500 tonnes of ammonia, and 195,000 tonnes of oxygen per year, the project is expected to commence commercial operation by the end of 2027. Currently, auxiliary works such as fencing and internal access roads are under active construction.
Mekong Delta Project Cluster:
Ben Tre and Bac Lieu provinces are also attracting similar large-scale projects, with expected commissioning timelines ranging from 2028 to 2032. Meanwhile, a smaller green hydrogen project in Tien Giang (5,294 tonnes per year) has already received investment policy approval and is under implementation.
Expansion Potential:
In addition, many other localities—from Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Tay Ninh to Ca Mau and central provinces—are in the research and survey phase to propose new projects for the 2026–2030 period and beyond, demonstrating the wide geographical distribution of potential hydrogen development.
Coordinated Efforts from Policy to Implementation
Immediately following the approval of the strategy, a series of coordinated actions have been implemented by ministries, sectors, and local authorities:
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MOIT organized a nationwide conference to announce the strategy and actively integrated renewable energy and hydrogen development incentive mechanisms into the amended Electricity Law and the newly adopted Chemical Law, thereby establishing a solid legal foundation.
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Local governments proactively developed their own mechanisms and policies and promoted investment attraction in this emerging sector.
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Major energy corporations such as EVN and PVN have begun studying fuel transition roadmaps for power plants, as well as the feasibility of hydrogen blending and transportation within existing gas infrastructure systems.
Challenges to Be Addressed Along the Development Path
Nevertheless, the development of the green hydrogen industry is not without obstacles. The MOIT report identifies four main groups of challenges:
Investment capital barriers:
Green hydrogen production technologies based on wind and solar power require very high upfront capital investment, while access to concessional financing for large-scale projects remains limited.
Technology and infrastructure gaps:
As a new sector, hydrogen requires time to master technologies. The system of sector-specific standards and technical regulations remains incomplete, creating difficulties in appraisal and approval processes. In particular, hydrogen storage, transportation, and distribution infrastructure is almost non-existent.
Planning challenges:
The lack of detailed planning regarding capacity scale and specific project locations in each region may lead to fragmented and unfocused investment, making it difficult for local authorities to effectively attract investors.
Future Roadmap: Recommendations for Breakthroughs
To accelerate the breakthrough development of this nascent industry, MOIT has proposed a series of coordinated solutions to the Prime Minister, assigning specific tasks to each ministry and agency:
Completion of the policy framework:
The Ministry of Finance is requested to study a comprehensive incentive package covering land-use incentives, equipment import tax exemptions, concessional financing support, and technology transfer mechanisms.
Infrastructure and market development:
The Ministry of Construction will develop a roadmap for transitioning from fossil fuels to green fuels in transport and industrial sectors.
Promotion of research and standardization:
The Ministry of Science and Technology will lead national research programs, develop technical standards, and attract high-quality human resources for the hydrogen sector.
Mobilization of international finance:
Viet Nam should actively leverage support from international cooperation programs such as JETP (Just Energy Transition Partnership), AZEC, and commitments made at COP conferences.
Conclusion
Viet Nam has officially entered the global hydrogen energy race with a clear strategic vision and firm initial steps. Although significant challenges remain in terms of technology, capital, and infrastructure, with proactive government leadership, strong investor interest, and a well-structured action roadmap, green hydrogen is expected to become not only a key pillar of energy security but also a new driving force for Viet Nam’s green and sustainable growth in the decades to come.
[For access to Report No. 19-01-26 BCT issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, please contact the VAHC Secretariat at: contact@vahc.com.vn]
