Alstom is bringing zero-emission travel to Italy as it confirmed it has signed contracts to supply hydrogen trains to two different regions: Puglia and Lombardy.
Puglia, located in southeastern Italy, will be welcoming its first-ever hydrogen trains. Two of Alstom's Coradia Stream H models will replace the region's current diesel trains, marking a significant step towards cleaner transportation.
Meanwhile, Lombardy, in northern Italy, is expanding its hydrogen train fleet. Ferrovie Nord Milano has ordered two additional Coradia Stream H trains, bringing their total to eight. This builds on a previous framework agreement that allows for the acquisition of up to 14 of these eco-friendly trains.
"We are extremely proud to supply the first hydrogen trains in Puglia and to grow the hydrogen train fleet in Lombardy," said Michele Viale, Managing Director of Alstom in Italy and President and CEO of Alstom Ferroviaria.
"Alstom's unrivalled expertise in the full range of green traction solutions uniquely positions us to identify the best solutions for our customers depending on their specific needs."
The Coradia Stream H trains are environmentally friendly, and based on Alstom's single-deck Coradia Stream platform.
When powered by green hydrogen, the Coradia Stream H produces zero direct CO2 emissions. The hydrogen is stored in tanks on the train and combined with oxygen from the air to produce electricity in fuel cells. This electricity powers the train's motors and also charges high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which provide additional power during acceleration.
Alstom are no stranger to hydrogen powered trains being the first railway company to invest in hydrogen trains as an alternative to diesel for non-electrified lines, and they introduced the world's first operational passenger hydrogen train in 2016.
The contracts for the new hydrogen trains in Italy are part of the IPCEI Hy2Tech program, which is funded by the European Union's NextGenerationEU initiative. This programme supports research and innovation in clean hydrogen technologies, and it's great to see it helping to bring these eco-friendly trains to Italy.
Photo: Alstom
