The Scottish government has confirmed further funding of £4.5 million has been awarded to Aberdeen City Council for the introduction of 10 more hydrogen buses into the city’s fleet.
The money comes from the £62 million Energy Transition Fund which was set up to help ensure a green recovery from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and support the energy sector’s transition to a net-zero economy. With a focus on the North East, the Fund underpins the region’s ambitions to become a world leader in the transition to net zero, creating green jobs and growing the local economy in a way that is fair and benefits everyone.
The Scottish government says that the hydrogen industry has the potential to be worth up to £25 billion a year to the country’s economy by 2045. £100 million has been committed over the next five years to stimulate the sector and its supply chain.
Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The Scottish Government is wholly committed to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change, and doing so in a way that ensures no-one is left behind as our economy undergoes the transformation required to reach net zero.
“It is vital we seize the opportunity to take forward a green, low-carbon recovery and support our energy workforce as the sector diversifies. Now is the time to re-imagine the Scotland around us and to ensure we build a greener, fairer and more equal society and economy.
“I am pleased to be announcing this funding to expand the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub project, which is securing demand for clean green hydrogen in the transport sector and ramping up hydrogen production.
“No one fuel or technology is, by itself, the solution to climate change, but hydrogen has the potential to be a very important part of a progressive energy system supporting the decarbonisation of our transport, heating and industry. We are committed to supporting this emerging sector to maximise the economic benefits that the production of hydrogen can bring.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Jenny Laing commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded £4.5 million from the Energy Transition Fund as the investment will contribute to the funding of 10 additional hydrogen double-decker buses. These vehicles will increase the world’s first hydrogen double-decker bus fleet in Aberdeen to 25 and complement one of the largest and most varied fleets of hydrogen vehicles across Europe which includes cars, vans, road sweepers and waste trucks.
“Aberdeen is one of Europe’s pioneering hydrogen cities and through the work of Aberdeen City Council, we have developed a cluster of hydrogen activity. The grant will help us to secure additional demand for hydrogen and support our ongoing work around establishing a Hydrogen Hub with significant large-scale offshore wind resources, supply chain expertise, and hydrogen storage capability.
“Together these initiatives will help ensure Aberdeen is at the forefront of supporting Scotland’s green recovery, whilst demonstrating the city’s continued success at being a leader in hydrogen technology.”
Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for First Bus in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to hear the news of Aberdeen City Council securing this additional funding to further enhance the city’s zero emission hydrogen-powered fleet of buses. The current fleet has been well received, bringing well deserved international attention and much excitement to the city, so we are excited to work with Aberdeen City Council on this next phase of their hydrogen journey.”
