Surrey County Council has announced a £16 million investment in a new fleet of 34 hydrogen-powered buses, marking one of the largest zero-emission bus deployments in the UK.

The initiative includes 23 single-deck buses already in operation across Redhill, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Crawley and surrounding towns, with 11 double-deck buses set to enter service this winter on longer routes linking Epsom, Banstead, Reigate and Crawley.

The council said the move supports its ambition to deliver clean, sustainable and reliable public transport as part of its drive towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hydrogen buses produce no tailpipe emissions other than water vapour and offer longer ranges and faster refuelling compared with battery-electric alternatives.

To support the rollout, Surrey has constructed a dedicated hydrogen refuelling facility, currently the largest of its kind in Europe. This infrastructure is expected to ensure consistent supply and avoid the setbacks seen in other regions, where similar projects have been hampered by limited fuel availability.

“By investing in hydrogen technology, we are future-proofing our public transport network while taking a major step towards cleaner air for Surrey’s communities,” a council spokesperson said.

Hydrogen fuel-cell buses, while more expensive to purchase and operate than electric buses, are particularly suited to high-mileage and long-distance routes due to their extended range and rapid turnaround times. The new fleet will be operated by Metrobus and is a cornerstone of the council’s wider decarbonisation strategy.

This investment positions Surrey as a leader in hydrogen-powered public transport and underscores the growing role of hydrogen technology in the UK’s transition to greener travel.