World’s first hydrogen double deckers for Aberdeen

The world's first fleet of double decker hydrogen buses has officially been launched into service by Aberdeen City Council.

Run by First Bus - Scotland’s largest bus operator – in a project led by Aberdeen City Council, the hydrogen buses represent a major step forward in reducing climate change. The zero-emission fleet emits nothing more than water from its exhausts as the fuel is made from just wind and water.

Furthermore, plans are in place for Aberdeen to make its own hydrogen to power the buses, making it an even greener energy source for the local community.

Jenny Laing, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are delighted to be launching the world’s first hydrogen double decker bus fleet onto the streets of Aberdeen. Aberdeen is one of Europe’s pioneering hydrogen cities and through the work of Aberdeen City Council, the city has developed a cluster of hydrogen activity and the new double decker buses are a great addition to one of the largest and most varied fleets of hydrogen vehicles in Europe. They have even more advanced technology which pushes established hydrogen boundaries and will greatly assist us in tackling air pollution in the city.”

The new £8.3million project has been funded by Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Government, and the European Union (FCH JU), with an investment of about £500,000 per vehicle.

The UK’s first hydrogen production and bus refuelling station was opened in Aberdeen in 2015 as part of a £19million green transport demonstration project. The Aberdeen City Council-led project tested the economic and environmental benefits of hydrogen transport technologies and aims to drive the development of hydrogen technologies.