Stadler’s Italy Hydrogen Trains: Sicily, Rail Decarbonization

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Introduction

Stadler has been awarded a contract by Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) to design and supply two hydrogen-powered, narrow-gauge trains for operation in Sicily, Italy. The agreement, formalized at EXPO Ferroviaria in Milan, includes an option for up to 13 additional units and covers five years of service and technical support.

Contract Details

The contract with Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) follows a public procurement process. The initial trains are planned for use on the Paternò to Randazzo route, which passes through the Etna Nature Park in Sicily. The agreement encompasses five years of comprehensive service and technical support.

Technical Specifications

Stadler will design and manufacture the new trains at its facility in Bussnang, Switzerland. Each train will consist of two passenger coaches and a central module housing the fuel cells and hydrogen storage. The trains are designed to accommodate 87 seated passengers and a total of 147 passengers. They will feature low-floor entry, a universal PRM toilet, and dedicated spaces for bicycles or pushchairs. The axle load will remain below 11t per axle to ensure compatibility with FCE’s existing narrow-gauge network. The traction system incorporates static converters and traction batteries situated above the motor bogies to address the “steep gradients” along the Circumetnea line and maintain traction in all weather conditions.

Market Impact

According to Stadler Italy sales and marketing director Maurizio Oberti, the trains ordered by FCE will contribute to the decarbonization of Italian rail transport. With this order, Stadler’s narrow-gauge hydrogen train deliveries to Italy will total 19 units, following previous contracts with ARST in Sardinia and FdC in Calabria.

Recent Developments

Last month, Stadler and HTM Personenvervoer launched the first TINA (Totally Integrated Low Floor) tram in The Hague, representing Stadler’s inaugural tram contract in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

Stadler will supply two hydrogen-powered, narrow-gauge trains to Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE), with an option for up to 13 additional units, along with five years of service support. The trains will be manufactured in Bussnang, Switzerland, and deployed on the Paternò to Randazzo route in Sicily.

Company Summary

Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE): A railway company that has contracted with Stadler for the supply of hydrogen-powered trains in Sicily, Italy.

Stadler: A company that will design and manufacture hydrogen-powered trains for Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) in Italy.

ARST: A company in Sardinia that previously contracted with Stadler for narrow-gauge hydrogen trains.

FdC: A company in Calabria that previously contracted with Stadler for narrow-gauge hydrogen trains.

HTM Personenvervoer: A company that collaborated with Stadler for the launch of the first TINA tram in The Hague.

Technology

TINA (Totally Integrated Low Floor): A type of tram developed by Stadler.

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