Stadler and the regional operator ARST in Sardinia have unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered train designed for narrow-gauge lines. The 10 trains ordered for Sardinia will enter service in 2028 and are expected to reduce emissions by more than 2,100 metric tons of CO2 per year compared to diesel vehicles.
Stadler and Trasporti Regionali della Sardegna (ARST), the regional operator in Sardinia, unveiled in Erlen, Switzerland, the world’s first hydrogen-powered train specifically designed for narrow-gauge lines.
The vehicle marks a world first for regional rail transport and opens a new chapter in the decarbonization of non-electrified lines in southern Italy.
The new trains are scheduled to enter service in 2028 on the narrow-gauge network operated by ARST. They will provide service between Alghero Airport and the suburb of Mamuntanas, as well as connections between the province of Sassari, the city of Alghero, and the coastal town of Sorso.
Sardinia, a Testing Ground for Hydrogen Trains
Barbara Manca, Minister of Transportation for the Region of Sardinia, stated that the introduction of the first hydrogen-powered train for narrow-gauge lines transforms the island into a pioneer of technological innovation in transportation.
“With the introduction of the first hydrogen-powered train for narrow-gauge railways, Sardinia is proving to be a pioneer of technological innovation in the field of transportation. It is the first train of its kind designed specifically for a context like ours, with the goal of turning a limitation into a great opportunity. The hydrogen-powered trains that will be used on the ARST line are an important example for the environment, the local economy, and the development of essential skills in our region,” said Barbara Manca.
Giovanni Mocci, sole director of ARST, stated that the train’s unveiling demonstrates the operator’s ability to position itself as an international pioneer.
“We are very proud to be introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train on our lines. This is a historic technological leap for our fleet, a milestone made possible by the complete alignment of our objectives and the decisive support of the Region of Sardinia. We are fundamentally changing the way we provide local public transportation and transforming ARST into a model of innovation and reliability,” said Giovanni Mocci.
Over 2,100 metric tons of CO2 saved annually
The 10 hydrogen-powered trains ordered by ARST will, according to Stadler, save over 2,100 metric tons of CO2 per year compared to diesel vehicles.
The Swiss company says this reduction is roughly equivalent to 450 trips around the world by car.
Maurizio Oberti, Stadler’s sales director for the Italian market, stated that the new train demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
“With this new development, we are demonstrating how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The train sets new standards in regional rail transport in Italy and underscores the commitment of Stadler and the Region of Sardinia to more climate-friendly mobility,” said Maurizio Oberti.
Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales and Deputy CEO of the Stadler Group, highlighted the uniqueness of the project.
“Stadler is the only train manufacturer in the world that produces hydrogen-powered trains for narrow-gauge lines. Together with ARST, we have put a unique solution on the tracks that makes a concrete contribution to the decarbonization of transportation,” said Ansgar Brockmeyer.
Hydrogen Produced with Solar Energy
The central component of the new trains is the traction system with hydrogen fuel cells.
It is integrated into a central Power Pack module and functions as a charger. The module converts hydrogen into electrical energy and charges the train’s batteries.
Thanks to this system, the trains can operate efficiently on non-electrified lines, offering an alternative to the diesel vehicles currently used on many regional routes.
An important element of the project is the method of hydrogen production. The energy required will come 100% from solar sources, and the hydrogen production facilities are currently under construction.
Stadler and ARST say this will create a zero-emission system for narrow-gauge lines, from energy production to rail operations.
Carlo Poledrini, ARST’s chief executive, stated that the trains developed in collaboration with Stadler are a central component of the strategy to decarbonize the narrow-gauge network.
“For ARST, this is the first step in the transition from a transportation company to an energy company capable of powering its own service network. As the active construction sites in Mandas, Alghero, and Macomer already demonstrate, we are combining technological innovation in vehicles with the autonomous production of clean energy. In close collaboration with regional institutions, ARST is implementing a model of sustainable and fully autonomous public mobility,” said Carlo Poledrini.
Trains Designed Specifically for Narrow Gauge
Narrow-gauge lines in Italy have specific technical constraints, including lower axle loads, due to the way the infrastructure was built.
For this reason, the new trains have been designed as lightweight vehicles capable of meeting the requirements of the routes on which they will operate.
Passengers will enjoy a bright and comfortable interior, as well as large panoramic windows. Compared to diesel trains, the new hydrogen-powered vehicles will operate more quietly, which should enhance the onboard experience.
Low-floor access will make boarding and alighting easier for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility.
For train engineers, the vehicles will include a separate access door and air conditioning in the cab.
Before entering service, the trains will undergo rigorous testing in accordance with the requirements of ANSFISA, the Italian agency for railway, road, and highway safety.
Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria Switch to Hydrogen
The framework contract signed by ARST includes 10 hydrogen-powered trains, which will be used for regional and local transport in Sardinia.
The project is part of an initiative launched by the Italian government and the Ministry of Transport to decarbonize regional rail transport in southern Italy.
The goal is to use hydrogen technology on narrow-gauge lines and pave the way for a new generation of sustainable regional trains.
In addition to ARST, two other Italian rail operators are switching to hydrogen trains manufactured by Stadler.
The Swiss manufacturer is currently building two hydrogen-powered trains for Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE), the operator in Sicily, and nine trains for Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC), the operator in Calabria.
The vehicles for all three regions will be built at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland.
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