Italian rail operators, Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) and Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) have contracted Stadler to deliver the first narrow-gauge hydrogen trains to Italy.
This contract is comprised of two framework agreements covering the supply and maintenance of 10 hydrogen trains for ARST in Sardinia and 15 hydrogen trains for FdC in Calabria.
With this order, Stadler will become the first train manufacturer globally to produce narrow-gauge (950 mm) hydrogen trains.
In addition, it also marks the first time that the manufacturer will supply hydrogen trains for Europe, following its production of the FLIRT H2 for operations in California, USA.
“Stadler, ARST and FdC are linked by a long-standing and innovative partnership. We are proud to work together to advance the decarbonization of rail transport in Italy. The new narrow-gauge hydrogen trains are a world first and point the way for sustainable rail transport on narrow-gauge lines worldwide.”
Under the first call of these framework agreements, Stadler will deliver twelve hydrogen trains to Italy, with six going to each operator.
The units will be built at Stadler’s facility in Bussnang, Switzerland.
The new trains will each consist of two passenger cars made from lightweight aluminium to increase energy efficiency.
At a length of around 50 meters, they will be equipped with 89 seats along with dedicated areas for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.
These projects are funded with EU funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
