The world's first fleet of double decker hydrogen buses is being officially launched into service tomorrow in Aberdeen.

Run by First Bus - Scotland’s largest bus operator – in a project led by Aberdeen City Council, the hydrogen buses represent a step forward in reducing climate change.

The zero-emission fleet emits nothing more than water from its exhausts as the fuel is made from just wind and water. Furthermore, plans are in place for Aberdeen to make its own hydrogen to power the buses, making it an even greener energy source for the local community.

The new 60-seat double-deckers are set to transform the air of the granite city as they save 1 kg of CO₂ with each kilometer they drive. The buses will also tackle more than just air pollution, as they are virtually silent when they run, helping to create quieter, calmer streets.

The vehicles will be operated mainly on the Service 19 (Peterculter to Tillydrone) along with other services and is part funded by the European Union’s JIVE project, which aims to aid commercialization of hydrogen buses through joint procurement between cities. Cities that will follow Aberdeen’s footsteps include London and Birmingham, with Dundee and Brighton and Hove being lead partners in JIVE2.

The new £8.3MM project has been funded by Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Government, and the European Union (FCH JU), with an investment of about £500,000 per vehicle.

The UK’s first hydrogen production and bus refueling station was opened in Aberdeen in 2015 as part of a £19MMgreen transport demonstration project. The Aberdeen City Council-led project tested the economic and environmental benefits of hydrogen transport technologies and aims to drive the development of hydrogen technologies.