Aberdeen on board the hydrogen bus - 20th November 2020

This double decker bus in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a world first. It’s driven by hydrogen rather than diesel or electricity.

In the 1970s, Aberdeen was known as the capital of Europe’s oil industry. However, it’s now leading the way in developing greener industries.

The 15 hydrogen powered buses form part of its wider strategy. As the only emission from these vehicles is water, they will help Aberdeen become carbon neutral by 2045.

Philip Bell is a City Councillor.

Bell: "These buses are now going to total 15, these double deckers. We’re getting 10 more next year as well so that’ll take our fleet of this generation, first in the world, hydrogen fuelled double decker buses to 25."

Hydrogen powered buses have a wider range than electric buses. The city also has its own hydrogen production and bus refuelling stations. It’s now hoping passengers realise the benefits of this low carbon public transport.

David Phillips is the Operations Director of the bus company.

Phillips: "But ultimately, it’s all about our customers for us. It’s about the opportunity to provide them with a, a means in which to, to improve air quality in the city. It’s a chance to actually look at transport generally around how we can encourage modal shift."

The project is funded by both the Scottish government and the European Union. Other UK cities are expected to follow Aberdeen. Hydrogen powered public transport could soon be a reality for London, Birmingham, Dundee and Brighton.