Scenario: an energy group wants to produce green hydrogen in Vietnam for export to Japan and Korea — but the first question is not “who buys” but “how is green hydrogen defined, who licences it, under which law”. In 2026: the strategy exists; the detailed legal framework is under construction.
The hydrogen strategy: Decision 165 (7 February 2024)
Vietnam’s hydrogen energy development strategy to 2030, vision to 2050 was approved under Decision 165/QD-TTg dated 7 February 2024 — the foundational document, targeting green hydrogen produced from renewables (wind, surplus solar) for domestic use and export. Direction: hydrogen as a medium for storing and transporting renewable energy (as hydrogen, green ammonia), not just a fuel for direct combustion.
Green hydrogen production: renewable power + electrolysis
The core technology is water electrolysis powered by renewables: using wind/solar electricity (including surplus capacity) to split hydrogen from water. Economics hinge on input renewable power prices — which is why green hydrogen ties closely to DPPA (Decree 57/2025/ND-CP) and surplus rooftop solar. Open legal questions: the “green” standard for hydrogen (what carbon content qualifies), origin certification for export to demanding markets (EU, Japan, Korea) — no detailed rules yet.
Legal framework: under construction — early movers need “open clauses”
Pieces being built: licensing for hydrogen production, storage and transport (hydrogen is highly flammable — strict safety standards); quality standards and green hydrogen certification; pricing mechanisms (hydrogen, green ammonia prices); and export infrastructure (dedicated ports, storage). Early movers should: sign framework MOUs instead of hard investment commitments; embed adjustment clauses for new legal frameworks; and track draft green hydrogen standards — because which definition of “green” decides export prices to the EU/Japan/Korea.
Recommended actions
1. Tie hydrogen projects to cheap renewable power (DPPA/surplus) — the decisive cost variable. 2. Track green hydrogen standards/certification — it decides exportability. 3. Move early via framework MOUs + open clauses, avoiding hard commitments. 4. Assess fire-safety from the design stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the green hydrogen targets to 2030 and 2050?
Per the hydrogen energy development strategy (Decision 165/QD-TTg, 7/2/2024): developing green hydrogen from renewables to 2030, vision to 2050 — for domestic use and export; hydrogen as a medium for storing and transporting renewable energy (as hydrogen, green ammonia).
What mechanism governs hydrogen production from renewables?
The core technology is water electrolysis powered by renewables (wind/solar, including surplus). Economics depend on input power prices — hence the tie to DPPA (Decree 57/2025/ND-CP) or cheap renewable sources. Detailed mechanisms are under construction.
What about green hydrogen standards and certification?
No detailed rules in Vietnam yet: what carbon content qualifies as “green”, and origin certification for export to demanding markets (EU, Japan, Korea), are being built. This piece decides export pricing.
What opportunities exist for hydrogen/green ammonia export?
Japan, Korea and the EU are large importers of hydrogen/green ammonia with price-support mechanisms. Vietnam’s opportunity: cheap renewable power (wind, solar) as competitive green hydrogen feedstock — but “green” certification recognised by import markets is needed.
What is the current legal framework for hydrogen production and storage?
Under construction: licensing for production/storage/transport (strict safety standards as hydrogen is flammable), quality standards, pricing mechanisms and export infrastructure. Early movers should use framework MOUs + adjustment clauses for new rules.
What is the biggest risk investing in green hydrogen now?
An incomplete legal framework (“green” definition, certification, pricing) and still-high costs versus fossil-based hydrogen. Strategy: move early but commit softly, tied to cheap renewable power.
