ABERDEEN has become the first city in the world to operate zero-emission hydrogen double decker buses.

The launch is part of an £8.3 million Aberdeen City Council project funded by the European Union and Scottish Government, and will be run by First Bus.

The 15-strong fleet is said to be virtually silent, and each bus costs around £500,000. The zero emission double decker was manufactured by Wrightbus, and features a bespoke system from Luxfer Gas Cylinders.

The pioneering project has been called a “pivotal moment” in the city’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions to combat climate change. The 60-seaters are expected to save a kilogram of CO2 every kilometre (0.62 miles) they are driven.

Wrightbus chair, Jo Bamford, said it was a proud moment to see the buses in full operation for the first time. He said: “Everyone at Wrightbus is incredibly proud to see the world’s-first hydrogen double decker bus fleet in full service and carrying passengers around the streets of Aberdeen.

“It marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to reaching net-zero.

“It’s vital that other towns and cities sit up and take note of their example.

“Hydrogen has an important part to play in the decarbonisation of transport and the reduction in CO2 levels that we need to reach to ensure a net-zero future, and we’re delighted to be working with Luxfer Gas Cylinders towards achieving this.”

Mark Lawday, a director at Luxfer Gas Cylinders, said: “The hydrogen economy is now taking off, but it’s an area we’ve worked in for three decades.

“Aberdeen has been at the forefront of hydrogen, proving it is viable, and we worked with them on introducing an original fleet of 10 hydrogen buses to the city too.

“It’s fantastic that these new double deckers will begin their journeys with passengers soon.”