InnoTrans: Stadler unveils the world’s first narrow-gauge hydrogen train

Built at Stadler's headquarters in Bussnang, eastern Switzerland, the new trains will soon provide zero-emission rail services under the Italian sun. Stadler is currently producing a series of 21 new trains for Sardinia's Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST), Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC), and Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) in Sicily. The first train was built for ARST under a framework contract covering the design and development of a total of ten vehicles. Nine trains for FdC and two for FCE are also in production. In the future, these trains will be used on regional and local services.

Tailored to each region

Each train has been specifically designed to meet the needs of different lines and operators, from the coastal routes of Sardinia and the mountain tunnels of Calabria to the steep gradients that characterise the Etna Nature Park in Sicily.

"Thanks to close collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the railway operators ARST, FdC, and FCE, Stadler has developed a modular solution capable of adapting to the diverse requirements of Italy's narrow-gauge railway networks. All the trains are based on the same technological platform and combine a compact profile, lightweight mechanical structures, and an innovative hydrogen propulsion system. This integration ensures high standards of performance, innovation, reliability, and sustainability," says Maurizio Oberti, Stadler's Sales & Marketing Director for the Italian market.

Aristide Vercillo Martino, Sole Director of FdC, emphasises: "The collaboration between Stadler and Ferrovie della Calabria has continued successfully for around twenty years. This journey began with the first vehicle developed specifically for Italy's narrow-gauge railways and designed for FdC. It has been strengthened over time through the experience gained with several generations of railcars now successfully in service. This long-standing partnership has laid the foundations for the development of a new generation of trains, designed to meet the company's operational needs while offering passengers ever-higher standards of comfort, accessibility, and travel quality. This achievement forms part of the wider investment programme promoted in collaboration with the Calabria Region to upgrade railway infrastructure and accelerate the digital transformation of the regional transport system."

Reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 2,100 tonnes

The distinctive feature of the new trains is their environmentally sustainable propulsion system, based on fuel cells and hydrogen tanks installed in the central carriage (Power Pack), which operate in conjunction with traction batteries. These batteries are recharged using energy generated from hydrogen. Thanks to this technology, the trains can run efficiently, sustainably, and without interruption on non-electrified lines. Compared with diesel vehicles, ten hydrogen-powered trains will save up to 2,100 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to approximately 450 trips around the world by car.

Hydrogen produced using solar energy

The trains will be fuelled by green hydrogen produced entirely by using solar energy. ARST, FdC, and FCE are strongly committed to developing their power stations, which are currently under construction.

"These vehicles, developed in collaboration with Stadler, are a central element of the decarbonisation strategy for the narrow-gauge network. We are immensely proud to bring the world's first narrow-gauge hydrogen train onto our lines," explains Carlo Poledrini, General Director of ARST. "For ARST, this project represents the first step in the company's evolution from a transport operator into an energy company."

Enhanced travel experience

Compared with diesel trains, hydrogen-powered trains are significantly quieter, providing a further tangible benefit for both local residents and passengers. Travellers will also enjoy bright interiors and large panoramic windows. Low-floor access ensures that passengers with reduced mobility can board the train with ease.

"The landscapes surrounding Mount Etna are among the most picturesque in Sicily. Our aim is to offer passengers the most pleasant travel experience possible. Thanks to the introduction of the new hydrogen-powered trains, we can enhance comfort while making a tangible contribution to more sustainable transport. We are delighted to have Stadler by our side as a reliable partner and to make this extraordinary route even more attractive to our passengers," says Salvatore Fiore, Managing Director of FCE.

The world's first narrow-gauge hydrogen train, built by Stadler, demonstrates how sustainability, bespoke technology, and passenger comfort can go hand in hand.

Group photo f.l.t.r.: Carlo Poledrini, General Director of ARST; Salvatore Fiore, Managing Director of FCE; Aristide Vercillo Martino, Sole Director of FdC; Alessandra Silvestri, Communications specialist at Stadler (moderator); Maurizio Oberti, Stadler's Sales & Marketing Director for the Italian market.