Research on Hydrogen & Fuel Cell was started on 1997 in UTM. Centre of Hydrogen Energy (CHE) formerly known as Institute of Hydrogen Economy (IHE) was formed on 2009. The IHE was rebrand to CHE on 2014 with the merging of two other centres; Centre of Electrical Engineering System (CEES) and UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (UTMOTEC) to form Institute of Future Energy (IFE) in UTM.

The Institute of Hydrogen Economy (IHE) was founded in the second half of 2009 after more than two decades long experience in dealing with hydrogen, fuel cell and variety of related research area including but limited to polymer electrolytes, hydrogen production, storage and dispensing, fuel cell vehicle, power conditioning and prototyping. The institute undertakes technology development, standards and support services not only on hydrogen energy but also the entire domain of the economy as well polices associated with hydrogen as future fuel. Among others, the institute focuses on the development of hydrogen production and purification system, materials for hydrogen storage system, design and prototyping of various application system, testing and standardizations, and economic, social as well as policy related studies. In addition to research activities, services such as testing and validation as well as training and education together with consultancy are also provided.

IHE started as Fuel Cell Research Group in 1996 with initial funding of RM 2 million. In 2002, the group received another funding under IRPA for RM 15 Million for five projects. With all five projects successfully implemented and completed, the group submitted an application to the Senate for the establishment of Instute of Hydrogen Economy in 2009. Following the merger with Process Control and Safety Group, IHE formed a promising team