© 2026 John Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Hydrogen fuelling stations occupy a curious space in public perception, often seen as both a symbol of a clean, futuristic energy system and a source of uncertainty.
This fuel station is one of two hydrogen fuel stations in Aberdeen. The city has long been recognised as a European energy capital, and the city council has been keen to position the city at the forefront of the hydrogen transition. Hydrogen fuel for transportation was perceived by many in Aberdeen City Council and the local energy industry to play a major role in the economic future of Aberdeen.
The hydrogen fuel stations were used by Aberdeen City Council’s range of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, road sweepers and waste trucks.
In January 2021, Aberdeen became the first city to introduce hydrogen powered double-decker buses. The council purchased 25 StreetDeck Hydroliner buses at a cost of approximately £500,000 each, which were leased to local bus operator First Bus.
However, both the buses and the refuelling stations suffered from technical problems. In September 2024 both refuelling stations closed and all 25 buses were removed from service due to a lack of hydrogen supply.
The generation, storage and delivery of green hydrogen is a costly and complex process involving the use of electrolysers, high pressure compressors and refrigeration equipment.
With battery EV technology evolving rapidly, critics have become increasingly vocal about the high costs of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and refuelling equipment.
In the meantime, this hydrogen fuel station remains abandoned and unused, and the 25 hydrogen double-decker buses are to be sold off. More detailed information on the issues surrounding the failure of the Aberdeen hydrogen energy project can be found here.
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