Stadler is strengthening its presence in Italy with a new contract to supply the first hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge trains for the Sicilian railway operator Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE). The two tailor-made units will serve routes through the volcanic landscapes surrounding Mount Etna, contributing to the decarbonisation of regional rail transport.
The contract, signed during the EXPO Ferroviaria in Milan, marks an important step towards sustainable mobility in southern Italy. It covers the design and production of two hydrogen trains as well as five years of full-service maintenance and the supply of spare parts.
“We are very pleased to be building the first two hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge trains for Sicily. The trains ordered by FCE will contribute to the decarbonisation of Italian rail transport in a new region, further expanding Stadler’s presence on the Italian market. We thank FCE for the trust placed in us and for being part of the Italian Green Technology Team,” said Maurizio Oberti, Sales & Marketing Director Italy at Stadler.
The framework agreement signed with FCE, following a public tender, also includes the option to supply up to 13 additional trains of the same type in the future.
Technical features and design
The new hydrogen-powered trains will be fully manufactured at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland. Each train will consist of two passenger coaches and a central “power pack” containing hydrogen tanks and fuel cells.
The vehicles will offer 87 seats and space for a total of 147 passengers, with universal PRM-compliant toilets and low-floor access to facilitate boarding for passengers with reduced mobility or older travellers. Dedicated areas for bicycles and pushchairs will also be included.
Designed specifically for the FCE’s narrow-gauge network, the trains will have an exceptionally low axle load of under 11 tonnes per axle, allowing operation across the entire network.
Particular attention has been paid to the traction system, as the Circumetnea line includes steep gradients. The static converter and traction batteries are positioned over the motor cars to ensure optimal adhesion and traction under all weather conditions.
Operation along the Etna Line
The hydrogen trains will be deployed on the Paternò–Randazzo route, which passes through the protected landscapes of the Etna Nature Park. The project is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and modernise regional transport in Sicily, offering a clean alternative to diesel-powered rolling stock.
With this new order from FCE, Stadler’s total number of hydrogen narrow-gauge trains for the Italian market rises to 19. In addition to the two Sicilian units, Stadler is already building eight similar trains for Sardinia’s ARST and nine for Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC).
These orders represent the world’s first tailor-made narrow-gauge trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells, highlighting Italy’s growing commitment to green rail technology and Stadler’s leading role in developing innovative, zero-emission rolling stock.
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