The world’s first ever hydrogen-powered double decker bus has been revealed in Aberdeen, and it showcases the city as a trailblazer in hydrogen technologies. The entry of the first of the zero emission buses underlines the city’s role as the energy capital of Europe and shows its commitment to the transition of green energy from oil and gas as part of the Net Zero Vision.
The buses will be spotted around the city for a number of weeks during the period of final testing along with training for drivers, with the buses expected to be in service next month. It is reported that the buses are as efficient as electric equivalents, with refuelling taking less than 10 minutes and offering a greater range. Water is the only release from the vehicles which reduces carbon emissions, and the new buses continues to contribute to the city’s commitment to tackling air pollution. For further information see the IDTechEx report on Electric, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Buses 2021-2040.
The buses have been manufactured by a UK-based company – Wrightbus based in Northern Ireland – and will complement the existing fleet that the city already boasts including a range of hydrogen and electric vans, road sweepers, and cars through a car share scheme.
Jo Bamford, Wrightbus owner and Executive Chairman, said: “We’re immensely proud to be putting the world’s first fleet of hydrogen double deckers onto the streets of Aberdeen. And these buses represent much more than Aberdeen striving to reach a clean air, zero-carbon future. They represent the start of what could be a world-leading hydrogen economy here in Scotland which will bring with it multi-million-pound investments and tens of thousands of jobs. Not only do our buses hold the title of being the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell double deckers, they emit only water vapour. We hope that more councils across the UK follow Aberdeen City Council’s lead.”
First Aberdeen, part of the multinational company First Group which originated in the city, is to run the 15 buses along one of its most popular service routes and the new vehicles will further underline the city’s role as a pioneer in hydrogen.
David Phillips, Operations Director for First Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to be operating these state-of-the-art double decker hydrogen buses in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and we are thrilled to share a sneak peak of them with the public today. We look forward to rolling them out to the people of Aberdeen later this month and it is exciting to play a part in the latest leg of the city’s hydrogen journey. First Aberdeen are committed to working with local stakeholders to accelerate our driver for a zero-emission fleet across our entire network by 2035 and we are excited to see the impact these buses will have.”
Main Image: The Guardian
