Vietnam and France Join Forces to Explore Green Hydrogen for Remote Islands

Hanoi, Vietnam — In a strategic move aimed at accelerating Vietnam’s clean energy transition, French hydrogen pioneer HDF Energy and Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC), a key subsidiary of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore green hydrogen power projects. The collaboration focuses on remote islands in southern Vietnam and was formalised during a high-level ceremony in Hanoi, coinciding with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and private sector stakeholders, underscoring the bilateral significance of the initiative.

Clean Energy for Off-Grid Communities

The agreement aims to create a scalable, replicable model for delivering reliable, non-intermittent renewable energy to off-grid and island communities — areas traditionally reliant on costly and polluting diesel generators.

Under the MoU, both parties will coordinate efforts through designated representatives, conduct technical and feasibility studies, identify project locations, and engage with local authorities. The scope also includes aligning investment and engineering strategies while fostering knowledge exchange on hydrogen technologies.

A Milestone for Vietnam’s Energy Transition

Nguyen Phuoc Duc, General Director of EVNSPC, emphasised the impact the initiative could have on Vietnam’s remote areas.
“This collaboration will contribute to accelerating the energy transition in Vietnam, particularly on off-grid islands managed by EVNSPC, by ensuring stable 24/7 electricity supply at a lower cost compared to diesel-generated power,” he said. “We deeply value this partnership and extend our sincere thanks to the French Embassy, relevant authorities, and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for their continued support throughout our development journey.”

Strengthening France–Vietnam Clean Tech Ties

HDF Energy CEO Damien Havard highlighted the broader significance of the partnership:
“This collaboration with EVNSPC marks an important moment for HDF Energy in Vietnam. By combining our expertise in green hydrogen technology with EVNSPC’s deep knowledge of the local energy landscape, we are laying the groundwork for a scalable solution to bring clean, reliable power to remote island communities.”

The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in helping Vietnam reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in hard-to-reach areas while also strengthening the France–Vietnam relationship in the field of sustainable energy development.