HDF Energy eyes hydrogen energy projects in central Vietnam

France-based HDF Energy is interested in providing its latest technologies to boost clean energy supply in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Ngai.

HDF Energy and Quang Ngai's Department of Industry and Trade signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the move on Tuesday.

Accordingly, Quang Ngai authorities will facilitate HDF Energy to integrate the latter’s technologies, including HyPower (gas-to-power) hydrogen energy and Renewstable® (power-to-power), to develop renewable and green hydrogen projects.

Those projects can supply the national grid and major users in the province, such as the oil refinery and steel manufacturing facilities.

Quang Ngai, with its coastal Dung Quat Economic Zone, offers advantages for green hydrogen-to-power production and battery manufacturing, according to provincial authorities.

Green hydrogen energy is a priority of Quang Ngai as it can power up remote areas and islands, said Vo Van Ran, head of Quang Ngai's Department of Industry and Trade.

Mathieu Geze, director Asia at HDF Energy, highlighted the cooperation can utilize Quang Ngai’s strengths such as abundance of solar and wind power to push innovations and eco-friendly solutions in the hydrogen sector, bolstering the province’s sustainable energy development.

Quang Ngai, an industrial hub in central Vietnam, currently has five industrial parks, including four in the Dung Quat Economic Zone. By 2030, it is expected to have a total of 10 IPs covering 6,648 hectares.

Dung Quat Economic Zone and industrial parks in Quang Ngai house 348 valid projects valued at VND389.64 trillion ($15.31 billion), including 63 foreign-invested ones, according to the Dung Quat Economic Zone and Quang Ngai Industrial Parks Authority.

Major projects in the provinces are Dung Quat oil refinery, Dung Quat 2 steel complex, and the the long-delayed mega gas-to-power Ca Voi Xanh (Blue Whale) project.