San Francisco Frontiers - Stadler Begins Testing First Hydrogen Narrow-Gauge Trains for Southern Italy

Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler has begun testing the world’s first hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge trains at a newly constructed facility in Bussnang, Switzerland. The vehicles are destined for southern Italy, where they will replace diesel units on unique meter-gauge lines across Sardinia, Sicily, and the Naples region.

The testing phase marks a critical milestone in delivering zero-emission rail technology to regions with specialized infrastructure that cannot accommodate standard European gauge tracks. To meet the technical requirements of these specific vehicles, Stadler constructed a four-kilometer test track between Ramsen and Hemishofen stations. The line runs as a third rail within existing standard-gauge tracks, allowing for flexible testing schedules close to the company’s manufacturing plant.

Ansgar Brockmeyer, head of Marketing & Sales and deputy Group CEO at Stadler, stated that this local solution allows the company to handle testing internally rather than deploying three separate teams to future deployment sites in Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia. This approach also reduces the burden on customer networks during the validation period.

Alessio Salvatore, the project leader for the hydrogen train at Stadler, emphasized that the current focus is on validating the hydrogen propulsion system. Tests involve evaluating the vehicle with varying hydrogen tank levels and at different speeds. Subsequent phases will include regulatory compliance checks, specifically focusing on acceleration and braking performance.

The new narrow-gauge trains are designed to carry 89 seated passengers, including 15 fold-down seats, and 81 standing passengers. Salvatore noted that the design is particularly suited for mountainous terrain, offering better resistance to delays compared to conventional models. He highlighted that the hydrogen trains provide superior acceleration, operate more quietly, and generate significantly less CO2 than their diesel predecessors.

According to calculations provided by Salvatore, ten of these trains will save over 2,100 tons of CO2 annually compared to the existing diesel fleet. However, he cautioned against viewing hydrogen as a universal solution, stressing that local conditions must be evaluated for each deployment. He added that the environmental benefit depends heavily on the source of the hydrogen, noting that for this Italian project, the supplier produces its own hydrogen, mitigating supply chain concerns.

For the client, ARST, the delivery represents a major investment in future transport safety and sustainability. Carlo Poledrini, ARST’s general director, described the project as part of a broader strategy to improve secure transport options on Sardinia. After the intensive testing period in Switzerland, the trains will undergo further real-world trials on Sardinian tracks before entering full commercial service.

I.Rodriguez--SFF