Aberdeen on board the hydrogen bus - 20th November 2020

The Scottish city of Aberdeen has introduced the world's first hydrogen powered double decker bus.

Regarded as the centre of the European oil industry during the 1970s, Aberdeen has since adopted a more eco-conscious identity, attracting green investment.

The city has ordered 15 hydrogen powered buses, which only emit water, as one element in its long term environmental strategy. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Philip Bell serves as 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 cover greater distances than electric alternatives and the city's infrastructure already includes hydrogen bus refuelling stations. Aberdeen is hoping passengers will soon get on board with zero emissions public transport.

David Phillips is in charge of operations at 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."

Having received investment from both Scottish government and European Union funds, Aberdeen hopes to demonstrate the benefits of the technology. It expects other UK cities from London to Birmingham, and Brighton to Dundee to adopt hydrogen powered public transport.