Hydrogen Train for Italy’s Narrow-Gauge Railways Unveiled

Stadler and southern Italian rail operator Trasporti Regionali della Sardegna (ARST) have unveiled the world’s first hydrogen train for narrow-gauge routes in Erlen. Compared with diesel vehicles, the ten new trains will save more than 2,100 tonnes of CO₂ annually on the ARST line. Alongside Sardinia, Sicily and Calabria are also switching to climate-friendly operations with Stadler trains.

The new vehicles are expected to enter service on ARST’s narrow-gauge network from 2028. They will connect Alghero Airport with the suburb of Mamuntanas, as well as the north-eastern province of Sassari with Alghero and the coastal town of Sorso.

“With the introduction of the first hydrogen train for narrow-gauge railways, Sardinia is establishing itself as a pioneer of technological innovation in transport. This is the first train of its kind specifically designed for an operating environment like ours, with the aim of turning a constraint into a major opportunity. The hydrogen trains to be deployed on the ARST line set an example in terms of environmental protection, the local economy and the development of key skills in our region,” said Barbara Manca, Transport Minister for the Region of Sardinia.

“The presentation of this train demonstrates ARST’s ability to position itself as a pioneer internationally. We are very proud to introduce the world’s first narrow-gauge hydrogen train on our routes. This represents a historic technological leap for our fleet – a milestone made possible by fully aligned objectives and the decisive support of the Region of Sardinia. We are fundamentally transforming the way we provide public transport and making ARST a model of innovation and reliability,” said Giovanni Mocci, Sole Director of ARST.

“With this new development, we are demonstrating how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The train sets new standards for regional rail transport in Italy and underlines the commitment of Stadler and the Region of Sardinia to making mobility more climate-friendly,” said Maurizio Oberti, Sales Director for the Italian Market at Stadler. “We thank ARST for its trust and the excellent collaboration throughout the project.”

More Than 2,100 Tonnes of CO₂ Saved

The ten hydrogen trains ordered by ARST will save up to 2,100 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared with diesel vehicles. This is equivalent to approximately 450 journeys around the world by car. Stadler and ARST are therefore opening a new chapter in sustainable, climate-friendly mobility for Sardinia’s regional rail network.

“Stadler is the world’s only train manufacturer producing hydrogen trains for narrow-gauge routes. Together with ARST, we have brought a unique solution to the tracks that makes a tangible contribution to decarbonising transport,” said Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.

Hydrogen From 100 Per Cent Renewable Energy

At the heart of the new vehicles is an innovative hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Integrated into the central power-pack car, it functions as a charger: the module converts hydrogen into energy, which is then used to charge the batteries. This propulsion system enables the trains to operate efficiently on non-electrified routes. It provides a practical response to the challenges of the green transition while ensuring reliability and continuity of service.

The hydrogen production process is particularly innovative: all the energy required will come from solar power. The trains will therefore be fuelled with sustainable hydrogen. The hydrogen production facilities are currently under construction, creating a fully emissions-free system for the narrow-gauge routes – from energy generation to rail operations.

“The vehicles developed with Stadler are a central element of our strategy to decarbonise the narrow-gauge network. For ARST, this is the first step towards evolving from a transport operator into an energy company capable of supplying its own service network with energy. As the construction work already underway in Mandas, Alghero and Macomer demonstrates, we are combining technological innovation in our vehicles with our own clean energy production. Working closely with regional institutions, ARST is implementing a model for sustainable and fully self-sufficient public mobility,” said Carlo Poledrini, Central Director of ARST.

Tailored to Narrow-Gauge Railways

The design of Italy’s narrow-gauge rail infrastructure permits only low axle loads. The new vehicles have therefore been designed as lightweight trains that fully meet the requirements of these routes.

Passengers will benefit from comfortable, bright interiors and large panoramic windows. The hydrogen trains are quieter than diesel trains, further improving passenger comfort. Low-floor entrances also make boarding and alighting easy for all passengers, including people with reduced mobility. Train drivers have a dedicated access door and air conditioning.

Before entering service, the new trains will undergo rigorous testing in accordance with the requirements of Italy’s National Agency for the Safety of Railways and Road and Motorway Infrastructure (ANSFISA).

Three Italian Regions Embrace Sustainable Rail Operations

ARST’s framework agreement for hydrogen trains covers a total of ten vehicles, which will be deployed on regional and local services in Sardinia.

The project is part of an initiative launched by the Italian government and the Ministry of Transport to decarbonise regional rail transport in southern Italy. Its aim is to deploy hydrogen technology specifically on narrow-gauge routes for the first time, paving the way for a new generation of sustainable regional trains.

Alongside ARST, two other Italian rail operators are switching to sustainable operations using hydrogen trains. Stadler is currently building two hydrogen trains for Sicily’s Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) and nine for Calabria’s Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC). These trains will also operate on regional and local services. The vehicles for all three regions are being built at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, in the Swiss canton of Thurgau.