The Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment has stated that all buses using its roads will become zero-emission vehicles by 2025, as part of its long term plan to create an environment friendly transport system.

The State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment Sharon Dijksma has signed an agreement with representatives of all of the country's 12 provinces.

As per this agreement, all transport buses entering into service from 2025 will be run on hydrogen cells and electricity.

"We get cleaner cities and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are bad for the climate."

Further, the agreement requires the electricity used to power these vehicles to come from renewable sources.

Dijksma was quoted by Traffictechnologytoday.com as saying: "North Brabant and Limburg already show that zero-emission buses are now a smart investment for both our environment and the economy.

"We get cleaner cities and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are bad for the climate.

"It also gives a boost to the position we want to take in the Netherlands for the sustainability of our urban and regional transport.

"Dutch companies that develop technologies and produce buses will also benefit from this approach."

Provinces such as North Brabant and Limburg have already begun using electric vehicles.

Last May, Amsterdam announced that it aims to become the first city in the country to switch to a completely electric bus transport system.

By 2017, the initial lot of electric buses is expected to arrive in the city.