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Aberdeen’s pioneering initiative to operate the world’s first hydrogen double-decker bus fleet has come to an end. The ambitious project, funded at a multi-million-pound level, aimed to establish the city as a global center for hydrogen-powered public transport and promised the creation of up to 700 jobs. However, the vision has been discontinued as the city moves away from hydrogen buses toward electric vehicles.
The decision to abandon the hydrogen buses was confirmed by Aberdeen City Council following an urgent business committee meeting. The council had partnered with oil and gas company BP in 2022 to develop the hydrogen bus program, positioning Aberdeen at the forefront of this clean technology. Despite this, technical difficulties with the hydrogen fueling infrastructure—specifically at stations in Kittybrewster and Cove—have sidelined the buses since September 2024. As electric vehicle technology rapidly progressed, the council and BP began reassessing the viability of maintaining hydrogen as the cornerstone of Aberdeen’s transportation plans.
In an official statement, the council acknowledged that “as manufacturers and operators increasingly favour EVs, demand for hydrogen in transport has diminished.” Both Aberdeen City Council and BP are reconsidering their strategic approaches to reflect the shifting market dynamics. Consequently, plans are underway to transfer the hydrogen initiative from BP and fully transition to electric bus technology in the city. Although the total expenditure of the hydrogen fleet project is understood to have reached tens of millions of pounds, exact figures have not been disclosed. BP has indicated it will collaborate closely with the council on forthcoming steps, while transport operator First Bus continues discussions regarding the future of the hydrogen fleet.
The move away from hydrogen buses is part of a broader, longstanding trend seen in urban transport. Many cities have increasingly adopted battery electric buses due to significant improvements in battery capacity and efficiency. For example, in 2021, First Bus in Glasgow began investing in a large fleet of electric buses capable of rapid overnight charging and extended daily operation. Meanwhile, the electric inter-city operator Ember has expanded its fleet substantially across Scotland, benefiting from low running costs despite higher upfront prices compared to diesel vehicles. Although hydrogen buses can refuel faster than electric ones, their production requires large amounts of green electricity through electrolysis, making hydrogen fuel expensive. This cost premium is no longer viewed as justifiable amid the rapid advances and economic advantages of electric vehicles
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