The Minister of Industry and Trade works with Clean Energy Partners from South Korea and Japan

During the meeting, Mr. Honna Hitoshi, Chairman and CEO of EREX (Japan), discussed collaboration strategies in the energy transition process and the implementation of biomass power projects in Vietnam. He reported on the progress of cooperation with Vinacomin Power in the co-firing coal-biomass model transformation project, and proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade consider supporting the implementation of biomass power projects in Yên Bái, Tuyên Quang, and Hậu Giang, coinciding with the upcoming visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to Vietnam.

The Minister of Industry and Trade works with the EREX (Japan) Representative.

Founded in 1999, EREX is a leading company in developing and operating biomass power plants in Asia. EREX currently owns five biomass power plants in Japan with a total capacity of nearly 350 MW and aims to reach 650 MW. In Vietnam, EREX is a pioneer in the biomass energy sector, with ongoing projects in several key localities.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated EREX’s efforts in bringing biomass power technology to Vietnam. Particularly, the Hau Giang Biomass Power Plant, which is expected to be inaugurated on April 25th, is anticipated to pave the way for new directions in exploiting biomass potential in Vietnam, contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions, efficient utilization of agricultural by-products, and the development of a circular economy.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade welcomes companies, including EREX, to continue expanding investment and technology transfer. The Ministry also affirmed its commitment to supporting businesses in the research and implementation of energy transition projects in Vietnam.

After a working session with EREX (Japan), Minister Nguyen Hong Dien held a working meeting with representatives from SK Group (South Korea) to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the clean energy, high-tech, and innovation sectors in Vietnam.

The Minister of Industry and Trade works with the SK Group (South Korea) Representative.

At the meeting, SK informed about the results of the SK working group, a unit coordinating with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance) in supporting the implementation of large-scale LNG projects. SK proposed to build integrated industrial development centers in Vietnam, including:

1. Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI)and innovation in the North Central region, based on the Nghi Son and Quynh Lap LNG projects.

2. A Center for hydrogen, logistics, and innovation in the South Central region associated with the Ca Na LNG project.

3. Center for environmentally friendly agriculture in the Mekong Delta, associated with the Ca Mau LNG project.

Additionally, SK expressed its desire to collaborate on the development of LNG power plants in Vietnam, particularly in regions such as Nghệ An and Thanh Hóa. SK reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investments in high-tech, renewable energy, and environmentally friendly sectors.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated SK's contributions to Vietnam and affirmed that the Vietnamese Government always accompanies international investors, including SK. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is ready to create favorable conditions for SK to participate in LNG power projects that do not have investors, while encouraging the group to promote technology transfer and support Vietnamese enterprises to participate deeply in the global value chain.

With Vietnam’s approval of the Revised Power Master Plan VIII on April 15, 2025, the development of LNG power and renewable energy sources is a top priority to ensure energy security and achieve the carbon neutrality goal by 2050.

SK is the second-largest conglomerate in South Korea, owning approximately 200 subsidiaries, and has invested more than 3.5 billion USD in Vietnam. Its key areas of focus include clean energy (LNG, hydrogen), pharmaceuticals and healthcare, logistics, and information technology.