Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon Innovations (CHCI)

Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon Innovations (CHCI) is NUS's centre for hydrogen and carbon research, established in 2022 with a total of S$25 million in funding. endowed gift, government matching grant and NUS in-kind contributions. Subsequently, a 600 square metre dedicated research facility was officially opened in 2024 as the Centre's flagship hub. Its work spans hydrogen production, carriers, storage, and utilisation, as well as the transformation and capture of carbon.

Its research sits squarely on Singapore's import-dependent hydrogen pathway. Work spans catalysts and processes for cracking ammonia to release hydrogen, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and novel catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis  — all addressing the practical question of how hydrogen physically reaches a land-scarce island economy.

On the carbon side, projects include membranes for separating CO₂ from industrial flue gas mixtures, CO₂ hydrogenation, and biofuels. Among the Centre’s significant projects are two S$8 million initiatives focused on applied research in ammonia combustion and the development of an ammonia-hydrogen marine engine prototype.