Hydrogen-powered double decker buses

In a world first, this hydrogen powered double decker bus is undergoing trials on the streets of Aberdeen in Scotland.

A 1970s powerhouse of Europe’s oil industry, the black gold capital has built its economic comeback on more climate conscious foundations.

In line with its 2045 objective of net-zero emissions, Aberdeen has commissioned 15 hydrogen powered buses, whose only emission is water, as a first step towards carbon neutral public transport.

Councillor Philip Bell serves on the city’s council.

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."

While hydrogen powered buses offer gains over electric vehicles in terms of distances covered and refuelling, Aberdeen’s hydrogen production industry ensures the infrastructure is there to support them. The city now needs to win over public opinion for this green switch.

David Phillips is the local bus company’s director of operations.

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."

Funded in partnership with the Scottish government and the European Union, the city’s buses are expected to provide the proof of concept needed to spur uptake in other UK cities, with hydrogen powered public transport en route to London, Birmingham, Dundee, and Brighton and Hove. View Less