More hydrogen-powered buses will soon arrive in Aberdeen after proposals to spend £1 million on 10 new vehicles were given the go-ahead.
The local authority has already bought 15 of the eco-friendly double decker buses, in partnership with First Group, thanks to funding from the Joint Initiative for hydrogen Vehicles across Europe (JIVE) project.
An additional £1m of funding has now become available through this project, and the council’s strategic commissioning committee yesterday backed plans to increase the number of buses to 25.
The authority claims further deployment of buses will raise demand for hydrogen in the region and allow a commercial supplier to enter the market as part of the delivery of a “Hydrogen Hub”, promoting a green economic recovery from coronavirus.
The council’s environmental spokesperson, Lower Deeside councillor Philip Bell, said: “Aberdeen has led from the front in promoting clean energy by having the most successful hydrogen bus fleet in Europe and seizing the opportunity to expand this further through the JIVE project is testament to this council’s commitment to be a climate positive city.
“The future of road transport will be electric but where that electricity is derived is the question. Hydrogen fuel cells offer high power for heavy duty vehicles, cars with exceptional range and refuelling times on a par with petrol or diesel.
“This investment is the next phase in Aberdeen’s hydrogen journey.”