Stadler to build first hydrogen trains for Sicily
posted on 9th Oct 2025 11:11
On 1 October, at EXPO Ferroviaria 2025 Stadler signed first contract with Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) for the design and supply of two 950 mm track gauge hydrogen-powered trains. The new trains are intended to run on the Paternò - Randazzo route, which winds through the Etna Nature Park.
The agreement signed following the award of the public tender launched by FCE provides for the possibility of supplying a further 13 vehicles of the same type. The supply of the first two trains also includes five years of full service and technical spare parts.
The new HMUs will be designed and built in Bussnang. Each consists of two passenger coaches and a central “Power Pack” containing the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks. Each train will have 87 seats and can carry a total of 147 passengers. The train also has a low-floor access to allow passengers with reduced mobility and elderly people to easily get on board. It is equipped with a universal PRM toilet and areas for passengers with bicycles and/or pushchairs.
The low axle load of less than 11 t allows the trains to run on the entire narrow-gauge network operated by FCE. Particular attention has been paid to the traction system, considering the steep gradients that characterise the Circumetnea line. The static converters and traction batteries are positioned above the motor bogies to ensure excellent grip and optimal traction effort in all weather conditions.
The new order from FCE brings the total number of Stadler narrow-gauge HMUs for the Italian market to 19. The trains were ordered by three different customers in three regions of Italy: 8 vehicles from ARST (Sardinia region) and 9 from FdC (Calabria region). These are the world's first tailor-made narrow-gauge trains powered by hydrogen and fuel cells.