Tokyo/Yamanashi, 14–15 April 2026: ERIA, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), convened the 3rd East Asia Summit (EAS) Hydrogen Workshop to advance the development of a low-carbon hydrogen economy across the region.

The 2-day workshop brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from EAS participating countries to exchange insights on hydrogen development, with a focus on policy frameworks, market creation, and supply chain integration.

The first day featured site visits to Yamanashi Hydrogen Company (YHC) and the KITZ hydrogen refuelling station in Yamanashi Prefecture, providing participants with first-hand insights into Japan’s advancements in green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution technologies and infrastructure.

The second day, held in Tokyo, comprised a series of panel discussions aimed at fostering regional collaboration and identifying pathways to scale up hydrogen deployment.

Mr Udagawa Noriya, Director of the Hydrogen and Ammonia Division at the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE), METI, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting Japan’s continued commitment to advancing hydrogen development across EAS countries and its role as a pioneer in hydrogen technologies.

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, ERIA’s Director for Energy Policy, emphasised the importance of regional co-operation and evidence-based policymaking in accelerating hydrogen adoption, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical developments. He underscored hydrogen’s potential to contribute to both decarbonisation and energy security.

The workshop opened with a scene-setting presentation by IEEJ on the evolving global energy landscape and its implications for hydrogen development. This was followed by three thematic panel discussions:

Hydrogen Policies: Creating an Enabling Environment in Asia

Policymakers from Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and Viet Nam shared updates on national hydrogen strategies and roadmaps, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities for regional alignment. Discussions underscored the challenges of hydrogen economics and the need for co-ordinated approaches to achieve commercial scale.

Hydrogen Business and Market Development

Experts from research institutions, industry, and financial organisations examined current supply and demand dynamics. Discussions focused on cost competitiveness, policy incentives, demand creation, and strategies to bridge gaps between supply and demand.

Hydrogen Supply Chain Network

Participants explored technological and logistical aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation, as well as the role of international partnerships in developing efficient and resilient supply chains.

Throughout the workshop, participants highlighted the critical role of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, including power generation and heavy industry. At the same time, they emphasised that achieving this potential will require sustained efforts to reduce costs, mobilise investment, and strengthen cross-border co-operation.

The workshop concluded with a call to enhance collaboration amongst EAS countries and stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and ammonia solutions. Through this event, ERIA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional hydrogen development through research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building initiatives.