July 16, 2025 – The Vietnam-Korea Hydrogen Workshop 2025 was successfully held at Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE), marking an important milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation on hydrogen energy between Vietnam and South Korea.
The event was co-organized by HCMUNRE, the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), and the Korea Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Association (KHFCIA). It attracted a large number of scientists, experts, government representatives, and businesses from both Vietnam and South Korea.
The workshop was especially honored to welcome distinguished guests and special delegates, including:
♦ From South Korea:
Mr. Youngje Cho, Consul and Commercial Counselor at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City; representatives from the Korea Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Association (KHFCIA) such as Dr. Yong-chae Kim (Vice President), along with experts, professors, and researchers from the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), and representatives of leading enterprises including Air Liquide, Dentium, HEPS, Doosan Fuel Cell, and G-Philos.
♦ From Russia:
Mr. Mikhail Berkutov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh City.
♦ From the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC):
Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh (Chairman), Mr. Nguyen Anh Tam (Vice Chairman), along with Executive Board members and representatives from member enterprises and research institutes.
♦ From Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE):
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Quyen – President of the University, Dr. Huynh Thien Tai – Acting Head of the Office of Science, Technology and External Relations, Prof. Dr. Phan Dinh Tuan, as well as other university leaders and lecturers from HCMUNRE.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Quyen, President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the significance of the workshop in connecting knowledge and technology, aiming toward the development of clean and sustainable energy.
Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of VAHC, and Dr. Yong-chae Kim, Vice President of KHFCIA, also shared their visions for close cooperation between the two sides to realize the full potential of hydrogen energy
(Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Quyen – President of HCMUNRE)
(Dr. Yong-chae Kim, Vice President of the Korea Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Association KHFCIA)
(Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club VAHC)
Synergizing Potential and Technology
The technical presentation sessions highlighted the perfect complementarity between Vietnam and South Korea.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Luong from the Vietnam Petroleum Institute presented on “Potential and Challenges of Green Hydrogen in Vietnam”, emphasizing the country’s outstanding advantages in renewable energy sources (offshore wind and solar power) — a critical foundation for green hydrogen production via electrolysis. He also noted that the growing demand for decarbonization in heavy industries, transportation, and power generation in Vietnam creates a promising domestic market for hydrogen.
Dr. Tran Thanh Tam (HCMUNRE) shared insights on “Policy Orientation and Vietnam’s Roadmap Toward Net-Zero”, clarifying Vietnam’s commitment and concrete steps in achieving its climate goals.
(Dr. Nguyen Huu Luong – Vietnam Petroleum Institute)
(Dr. Tran Thanh Tam – HCMUNRE)
Conversely, Korean experts brought valuable insights into their advanced technological capabilities.
Dr. Jae-kyung Kim from the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) presented “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Policies and Pilot Projects in Korea”, showcasing a rapidly growing hydrogen ecosystem—from production to application infrastructure.
Prof. Jihyun Hwang from the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) shared updates on “Technological Innovations in Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Related Infrastructure Development in Korea”, covering advancements in electrolysis technology, liquid hydrogen storage, and refueling stations.
(Dr. Jae-kyung Kim – Korea Energy Economics Institute KEEI)
(Prof. Jihyun Hwang – Korea Institute of Energy Technology KENTECH)
Technological Breakthroughs and Storage Solutions
The workshop also featured in-depth discussions on technical aspects of hydrogen energy.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Hanh from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology presented on “Hydrogen Storage Capabilities for Fuel Cells”, addressing one of the biggest challenges in the hydrogen industry. Her research on 2D materials and hydrogen adsorption capacity has opened up new pathways toward more efficient storage solutions.
(Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Hanh – Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT))
A highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the “Hydrogen Welding Machine Made in Vietnam” by Mr. Nguyen Thien Binh, Founder of HB-Green, which served as a vivid demonstration of domestic innovation capabilities.
This product uses water electrolysis technology to generate Oxy-Hydrogen gas, offering a solution that is not only safe and efficient but also environmentally friendly. It showcases the potential of hydrogen applications in traditional industries.
(Mr. Nguyen Thien Binh – Founder of HB-Green)
Materializing Bilateral Cooperation: From MoUs to Potential Projects
A major highlight of the workshop was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremonies between VAHC and HCMUNRE, as well as between VAHC and KHFCIA. These agreements are not merely symbolic commitments but serve as a legal framework to actualize future collaborative activities, including:
♦ Joint Research & Development (R&D):
Collaborating on optimizing electrolysis technologies tailored to Vietnam’s conditions, and developing effective hydrogen storage and transportation solutions.
♦ Pilot and Demonstration Projects:
Implementing real-world projects to validate technologies and demonstrate green hydrogen applications across various industries and transportation sectors.
♦ High-Quality Human Resource Training:
HCMUNRE is committed to developing specialized training programs, student and researcher exchange initiatives to build a skilled workforce in hydrogen technologies for Vietnam.
♦ Investment Attraction and Technology Transfer:
Vietnam’s incentive policies—such as Decree 58/2025/ND-CP on green hydrogen—combined with growing interest from Korean corporations (e.g., SK Group’s proposed green hydrogen and CO₂ storage project) open major opportunities for large-scale initiatives.
(Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HCMUNRE and VAHC)
Discussion on Bilateral Projects
Following the MoU signing ceremony was a session on Bilateral Project Discussions, moderated by Dr. Tran Thanh Tam (HCMUNRE).
Speakers engaged in in-depth analysis of opportunities, challenges, and concrete steps to realize collaborative projects — with particular emphasis on the importance of high-quality human resource development and the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework.
A Shared Vision for Net-Zero
The presence of distinguished guests such as Mr. Youngje Cho, Consul and Commercial Counselor at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Mikhail Berkutov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh City, along with numerous delegates from government agencies, businesses, and research institutions, underscored the vital importance of international cooperation on the journey toward Net-Zero.
The workshop successfully created a dynamic forum where ideas were shared, partnerships were strengthened, and concrete steps were shaped.
It stands as clear evidence of the commitment by both Vietnam and South Korea to promote green hydrogen as a key energy pillar—contributing significantly to the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and to building a sustainable future for the region and the world.