The Aberdeen City Council (ACC) in Scotland has announced the arrival of the world’s first hydrogen-powered double decker bus in the city.

These zero-emission buses further demonstrate the city’s commitment and support for the transition from oil and gas to green energy as part of the Net Zero Vision.

They were developed by Wrightbus, which is based in Northern Ireland.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “By leveraging our unique assets and capabilities, we will help lead the world on the rapid shift to a net zero future and support the global energy transition as a climate positive city.

“We are responding, as a city and place, to the environmental imperative and also our role as a world leader in the energy sector as an economic driver for the city, region, Scotland and the UK.”

The council further added that the new hydrogen double decker buses will be tested on the city’s roads over the next few weeks and are expected to come into service next month.

With a potential to refuel in less than ten minutes, they only emit water vapour, resulting in carbon reductions and also helping the council to address air pollution levels in Aberdeen.

Wrightbus owner and executive chairman Jo Bamford 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.”