Image Courtesy: Stadler
A major milestone in sustainable transportation has been reached as Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered train specifically designed for narrow-gauge railway networks. The new trains are set to enter passenger service in Sardinia, Italy, in 2028, replacing diesel locomotives on several regional routes while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The project is being developed in partnership with Sardinian transport operator ARST and forms part of Italy’s broader effort to decarbonize regional rail transportation. Ten hydrogen-powered trains will operate on the Alghero Airport-Mamuntanas, Sassari-Alghero, and Sassari-Sorso lines. The new fleet is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2,100 tonnes annually compared to existing diesel-powered trains.
The development addresses a long-standing challenge facing narrow-gauge railways. Many of these routes, particularly in southern Italy, feature tight curves and strict weight limitations that make conventional electrification difficult and expensive. As a result, operators have continued relying on diesel trains for decades.
Stadler’s solution combines hydrogen fuel cells, onboard batteries, and a specialized central “Power Pack” carriage. The Power Pack stores hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, generating electricity that continuously charges the train’s traction batteries while operating on non-electrified tracks. The hydrogen used by the trains will be produced locally using solar energy, creating a zero-emission transportation system that releases only water vapor during operation.
Passengers are expected to benefit from a quieter and smoother travel experience compared to traditional diesel trains. The new vehicles will feature air-conditioned cabins, low-floor boarding for improved accessibility, and large panoramic windows designed to enhance views of Sardinia’s landscape. Train crews will also have dedicated entrances and independent climate-control systems.
The Sardinian fleet represents only the beginning of a broader rollout. Stadler is currently manufacturing nine similar hydrogen trains for Ferrovie della Calabria and two additional units for Sicily’s Ferrovia Circumetnea network, where specialized traction systems are being developed to handle the steep terrain surrounding Mount Etna.
Before entering service, the trains must complete extensive safety and operational testing under the supervision of Italy’s National Agency for the Safety of Railways and Road and Motorway Infrastructure. All vehicles are currently being built at Stadler’s facility in Bussnang, Switzerland.
