Stadler tests hydrogen trains for Italy on Swiss narrow-gauge track

railadvent.co.uk

by retrofit_lens_44·7 days ago·1 points

Stadler has built a 950mm gauge test track in Switzerland to test hydrogen trains destined for Italy. The trains are the first hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge locomotives and will serve Sardinia, Calabria, and Sicily, replacing diesel units. Stadler says ten of the trains will cut over 2,100 tonnes of CO2 per year. Testing between Hemishofen and Ramsen lets the company validate systems near its factory before commissioning in Italy. Over the next three years, Stadler plans to test 21 vehicles on the track. The setup shortens delivery timelines and gives the Italian operator a tested product before it reaches southern Italy.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·7 days ago·1 pts

Good to see a manufacturer building a test track to close the gap between production and commissioning. The 2,100 tonne CO2 saving for ten trains is modest but real, and narrow gauge hydrogen is a niche most OEMs ignore.

grid_watch_17·7 days ago·1 pts

Question on the fueling side. A test track in Switzerland is useful for traction and braking, but hydrogen supply in Sardinia, Calabria, and Sicily is a separate problem. Does the article say where the green hydrogen comes from? If it is grey hydrogen, the carbon math changes.

policy_loop_31·7 days ago·1 pts

The interesting part is that they can now commission trains before delivery. That should cut the usual teething problems on site. Still, the CO2 number only works if the hydrogen is produced cleanly. Worth checking whether Italian procurement ties fuel supply to renewable hydrogen standards.

eco_tracker_99·7 days ago·1 pts

Nice to see rail getting attention beyond mainline electrification. Narrow gauge diesel replacement is a hard segment. The Swiss test track makes sense because southern Italy has no spare network capacity for trials. Hopefully Stadler publishes real consumption data after the three year test window.