Hydrogen Energy in ASEAN Countries

Abstract

The hydrogen market in ASEAN countries is still nascent. Of the 10 Member States, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand account for three quarters of the regional hydrogen production, and Malaysia and Singapore are among the top twenty global exporters and importers of hydrogen. Many States have approved roadmaps and programs for hydrogen energy development, and Singapore has a National Hydrogen Strategy. Implementation of investment projects in partner countries continues, including the world’s first hydrogen supply chain from Brunei to Japan, and the first hydrogen production plant in Southeast Asia in Malaysia. The development of hydrogen energy in ASEAN countries faces many challenges, among which: lack of financing for investment projects; high capital costs; weak government support; underestimation of the importance of hydrogen energy for transition to a low-carbon economy. All in all, despite the ongoing challenges, ASEAN countries have high potential, including resource potential, for the development of hydrogen energy and the transformation of the region into a global hydrogen hub.