Italy’s narrow-gauge railways have so far relied on diesel trains due to the challenging geographical nature of the tracks, as the sharp curves and weight restrictions make the use of conventional heavy trains impractical.
However, this obstacle was overcome through the development of lightweight hydrogen trains capable of operating efficiently on these rough tracks, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing harmful emissions.
The new train features an advanced technological design tailored to specific operating conditions and safety requirements associated with hydrogen use. It consists of three cars: the middle car houses the power system, which includes hydrogen tanks and fuel cells responsible for electricity generation, while the two front cars are equipped with batteries charged by the power unit and propulsion motors. This design has significantly reduced weight, with the load on each axle not exceeding 11 tons.
The hydrogen needed to operate the trains will be produced locally, relying entirely on solar energy, thus enabling the creation of an integrated clean energy system, while the exhaust resulting from operation will be limited to water vapor only.
Passengers are expected to notice the difference immediately, as the new trains feature lower noise and vibration levels compared to conventional diesel trains. Their carriages also offer a low floor for easier boarding and alighting, large panoramic windows, well-lit and air-conditioned compartments, independent climate control systems, and dedicated entrances for the driver's crew.
The first batch of ten trains marks the beginning of an Italian government program aimed at decarbonizing narrow-gauge railways. Stadler is currently manufacturing nine additional trains for Calabria and two for Sicily, with the Sicilian trains being equipped with more powerful engines to handle the steep inclines of Mount Enta.
