Petrovietnam Science and Technology: Aiming for Breakthroughs

Petrovietnam establishes partnership network to enhance the business’ competitive capacity

Petrovietnam Chairman of the Board Lê Mạnh Hùng introduced to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính the Corporation’s innovations in operations and its application of science and technology

Driving Innovation at Petrovietnam

At the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for Science and Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation at Petrovietnam, Mr. Lê Mạnh Hùng—Chairman of the Board of Members and Head of the Committee—reaffirmed that scientific research and technological development have long been integral to the Corporation throughout its nearly 50-year history. As Vietnam enters a phase of strong national advancement, no member of Petrovietnam is exempt from the responsibility to contribute. Research and innovation that result in high-value products to propel corporate growth are now essential imperatives.

Chairman of the Board Lê Mạnh Hùng: Scientific research aimed at creating new, high-value products to drive the Corporation’s growth is an essential requirement. Petrovietnam's S&T Legacy and Future Vision

Over the past five decades, Petrovietnam has gradually built its scientific and technological capacity from the ground up. Its workforce has progressed from trainees to masters of core operations, gaining full command of technologies from oil and gas exploration and production to processing and manufacturing across the entire value chain. This legacy of development has instilled a spirit of self-driven research, innovation, and lifelong learning across the organization.

Among its many scientific achievements, Petrovietnam proudly counts four research projects awarded the prestigious Ho Chi Minh Prize and six projects that received the State Prize for Science and Technology. Additionally, numerous innovations, inventions, and technical improvements span the Corporation’s ecosystem—from petroleum exploration and services to refining, power generation, and, more recently, green energy.

The Cà Mau Fertilizer Plant continuously conducts research and testing to produce high-quality fertilizers suitable for various soil types across the country

Applied Research for Practical Needs

The Cà Mau Fertilizer Plant continues to conduct research and experimentation to produce high-quality fertilizers suited to the diverse soils of Vietnam.

While proud of its legacy and scientific contributions, Petrovietnam recognizes the need for a refreshed approach to research. First and foremost, it is essential to distinguish clearly between “scientific research” and “technology development.” The latter focuses on absorbing and enhancing technologies to better suit Vietnam’s conditions and workforce, serving production and business more effectively. Meanwhile, the mission of scientific research is to discover new products and breakthroughs that directly contribute to business transformation and broader societal development.

This distinction is especially important for enterprises, where the ultimate priority is production and operational efficiency. Accordingly, technology development must align with practical business needs. The formation of the Steering Committee—comprising top leadership from the Corporation and its subsidiaries—will collaborate closely with Petrovietnam’s Science and Technology Council to effectively implement strategic R&D initiatives.

A Strategic Role in National Development

For nearly 50 years, Petrovietnam has not only efficiently harnessed the nation’s petroleum resources and acted as a pillar of national energy security, but also delivered a wide range of petrochemical and processed products vital to both industry and agriculture. The Phú Mỹ and Cà Mau fertilizer plants currently supply over 70% of the country’s fertilizer demand, helping to stabilize market prices and increase the value and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. Notable innovations include slow-release fertilizers using nanotechnology and region-specific fertilizers tailored to the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands, and soil-improving solutions for rapid rehabilitation—developed and commercialized by Petrovietnam’s fertilizer production units.

The Dung Quất Refinery leads in researching and producing high-quality fuels and feedstocks

Furthermore, Petrovietnam’s leadership has aligned research directions with the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 76-KL/TW. This includes policies to attract and reward scientific talent, with consideration for recruiting external experts aligned with the Corporation’s development strategy to 2030 and vision to 2045.

Dr. Lê Mạnh Hùng, Chairman of the Board of Members, identified three breakthrough mechanisms for advancing Petrovietnam’s scientific and technological agenda:

1. Fair and competitive remuneration;

2. Risk-sharing for unsuccessful research outcomes and benefit-sharing for successful ones;

3. Focused research in key emerging fields, including:

o New energy technologies (quantum energy, nuclear batteries, advanced sustainable engines);

o Ultra-carbon material technology (hydrocarbon fuel synthesis);

o Deep-sea mineral extraction (rare earths);

o Digital transformation technologies (big data, AI, IoT).

Foundation for the Future

With these new mechanisms, a rich legacy of achievements, and a highly experienced scientific workforce, Petrovietnam is well-positioned to deliver products with increasing scientific and technological value. These breakthroughs will elevate Petrovietnam’s stature, in keeping with its mission as the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Corporation.

PVN