An Aberdeen politician has called on Scottish Enterprise to help fund hydrogen buses for the city.
Aberdeen Central’s Kevin Stewart wants Scottish Enterprise to boost funds for eco-friendly public transport.
Revolution: Green buses could radically change city transport system Pic: © STV
An Aberdeen politician has called on Scottish Enterprise to help fund hydrogen buses for the city.
Kevin Stewart MSP wants the business quango to top up funding already in place from Aberdeen City Council.
The eco-friendly vehicles use hydrogen fuel cell technology that emits only water vapour, helping to improve air quality.
Mr Stewart, who represents Aberdeen Central, said: “I have written to Scottish Enterprise to ask them to reconsider funding this green project.
“We have already received support from the EU but domestic funding would allow for a better, bigger project and develop a green bus system that can revolutionise the way we do transport.
“Hydrogen buses will see Aberdeen leading the country in renewable green transport. I am disappointed that Scottish Enterprise has as yet been unwilling to commit to the project. Hydrogen buses can be the driving force of a new green transport in the city.
“Renewable technology is the future and Scottish Enterprise should join AREG and Aberdeen City Council in securing a brighter, greener future.”
In his letter to Maggie McGinlay, Scottish Enterprise’s Aberdeen City & Shire Director, Mr Stewart said: “I understand that Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council are developing a project, phase 1 of which seeks to put up to 12 hydrogen fuel cell buses on routes in central Aberdeen and create a hydrogen refuelling station in the city.
“Phase 2 is being taken forward by Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) and Scotia Gas Networks (SGN), and involves the creation of renewable hydrogen infrastructure, via deployment of a new hydrogen generation and energy storage system.
“I am extremely pleased that this project has attracted European funding. However, I understand that Scottish Enterprise has been asked to contribute to this project and has refused to commit any resources to this project. I am unhappy about this situation and believe that Scottish Enterprise should be helping to develop this key project, which could put Aberdeen at the forefront of hydrogen technology in these islands.
“I hope that you will investigate this situation and will be able to commit Scottish Enterprise resources to this worthwhile project.”
