An innovative Aberdeen transport facility has reached a major milestone.

The city council’s hydrogen production and bus refuelling centre – the first of its kind in the UK – recently made its 1,000th refuel.

The centre, based at the council’s Kittybrewster depot, opened in March and provides fuel for 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses, the largest fleet in Europe.

The buses only emit water vapour, which reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, as well as being quieter and smoother to run than diesel vehicles.

Councillor Barney Crocket, chairman of the authority’s European hydrogen and electro-mobility projects, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and it’s great to see the 1,000th refuel at the station at Kittybrewster.

“It is fantastic for the city to be at the forefront of this project and helps to solidify our reputation as Europe’s energy capital.

“We look forward to many more milestones on this tremendous project.”

Six of the buses are operated by Stagecoach on the X17 Aberdeen city centre to Westhill route, while First Aberdeen operates four on the X40 Kingswells to Bridge of Don park-and-ride route.

David Phillips, First Aberdeen’s managing director, said: “We are pleased to have played a key part in reaching this milestone for the ground-breaking hydrogen project. We are proud to be a partner in the trial of hydrogen technology in Aberdeen and look forward to achieving many more successes in the months to come.”

Steve Walker, Stagecoach’s north Scotland managing director, added: “It is fantastic to see the project reaching another milestone. We have had a lot of positive feedback from our customers on the hydrogen buses and are proud to be part of the project.”

The project is part of the council’s £19million green transport demonstration scheme.