Aberdeen to sell H2 bus fleet after project collapse

Aberdeen City Council is preparing to sell its fleet of 25 hydrogen-powered double-decker buses after ending its joint venture with BP, with the vehicles parked for over a year.

The 60-seat buses, by Wrightbus, entered service in early 2021 and were described as a “world-first” hydrogen double-deck fleet. Operated by First Bus mainly on the number 19 route between Peterculter and Tillydrone, the vehicles have been out of service since late 2024 due to delays in repairs at hydrogen refuelling sites in Kittybrewster and Cove, according to Aberdeen Live. The entire fleet remains stationed at First’s King Street depot.

The project cost approximately £8.3 million, funded by Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Government and the European Union, with an investment of around £500,000 per vehicle within the FCH JU project, Aberdeen Live reports. At launch, the buses were presented as capable of saving one kilogram of CO₂ per kilometre driven and producing lower noise emissions.

Joint venture exit and infrastructure shift

Aberdeen City Council is seeking to exit its joint venture with BP, which was intended to produce hydrogen at a former landfill site on Harness Road. The local authority stated it is negotiating the transfer of the joint venture and has agreed steps to strengthen electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

According to Aberdeen Live, the council cited advancements in electric vehicle technology and diminishing hydrogen demand in transport as factors in reassessing the hydrogen hub project.

“Aberdeen City Council and BP have been engaged in ongoing discussions concerning the future viability of the hydrogen hub, prompted by significant advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology.

“As manufacturers and operators increasingly favour EVs, demand for hydrogen in transport has diminished. In light of these developments, both parties are reassessing their strategic direction to align with the evolving market landscape.”