On 11 May 2026, the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) worked with Mr. Gernot Grasser, Managing Director for AVL SEA & Australia Co., Ltd. (of AVL List GmbH - Austria), to discuss the cooperation orientation in the research, consultancy, and application of hydrogen technology solutions in support of energy development and the energy transition in Vietnam.
The two sides discussed potential areas of cooperation in several key areas, including the establishment of advanced hydrogen laboratories, the application of energy system simulation software, technology performance assessment, operational optimization, and technical consultancy for energy transition projects. Leveraging its strengths in dynamic simulation, energy system simulation, and technology integration, AVL can support the development of comprehensive evaluation models from the equipment and plant level to the overall system level, helping reduce testing costs, shorten implementation timelines, and improve the reliability of investment decision‑making.
Both sides agreed that hydrogen is a high‑potential field, aligned with Vietnam’s long‑term goals for energy security, emissions reduction, and sustainable development. AVL representatives shared international experience in the research, development, and testing of hydrogen systems, particularly fuel cell technologies from single‑cell and stack levels to fully integrated systems, emphasizing that improving technological efficiency is critical to enhancing the economic viability of hydrogen.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, Deputy General Director in charge of VPI, highly appreciated AVL’s technological capabilities, international experience, and sustainable development orientation, especially in hydrogen and energy storage technologies. VPI leadership proposed promoting cooperation orientations in low‑emission energy fields, including hydrogen, energy storage, and new fuels, while strengthening the application of simulation and digitalization in energy planning and implementation, contributing to the expansion of low‑emission energy solutions in Vietnam.
On the AVL side, Mr. Gernot Grasser suggested that the two parties consider starting cooperation by applying simulation software to assess the design, manufacturing, and operational performance of hydrogen systems, followed by the implementation of pilot projects prior to large‑scale deployment. This approach would help mitigate technological risks, control costs, and shorten project development timelines.
Leaders of AVL and VPI agreed to maintain technical and professional exchanges to further clarify specific cooperation orientations in research, consultancy, training, and knowledge transfer. Cooperation is expected to be implemented following a phased roadmap, from pilot or feasibility studies at an appropriate scale before expanding to larger‑scale cooperation programs.