Sardinia: Two new hydrogen-powered trains for the Macomer–Nuoro and Monserrato–Isili lines

La Regional Council, on the proposal of the Transport Councillor Barbara Misses, approved the intervention for the supply of two new hydrogen traction units, intended for railway lines Macomer–Nuoro e Monserrato–Isili, For a total investment of 29,25 million euros, foreseen by 2025 Stability Law.

This is a new piece of the regional strategy for decarbonisation of the narrow gauge railway network, already outlined with the resolution of the Regional Council n. 38/78 of 2022, in full coherence with the European Green Deal and with the Strategy for Sustainable and Intelligent Mobility.

I hydrogen trains have been identified for progressively replace diesel trains on the narrow gauge lines of Sardinia, offering a transport solution with zero emissions, sustainable and technologically advanced.

The. is currently underway supply of eight hydrogen trains products by Stadler, intended for the lines Sassari–Sorso e Sassari–Alghero–Airport, financed through the resources of the Complementary fund to the PNRRThese trains, divided into three intercommunicating carriages with a fixed composition, are bidirectional, hydrogen-powered electric traction and equipped with fuel cell in the central case, a system that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity through electrolysis, generating as only by-products water and heat.

Each unit is capable of reach 100 km / h, hosts approximately 80 seats (including 15 folding seats) and more 80 standing placesHas accessible toilet to people with reduced mobility, multifunctional areas for bikes and luggage, air conditioning, onboard wifi, sockets for charging the e-bike, systems of location, passenger information, internal and external video surveillanceThe two new trains financed by today's resolution they are not yet subject to tender, but they will present similar characteristics to what the current one provides Framework Agreement.

«With this intervention – states Councillor Manca – the Region confirms its desire to promote an increasingly modern, sustainable and efficient railway network., capable of offering a public service that lives up to citizens' expectations. Hydrogen trains represent a turning point not just from the point of view Environmental Sustainability, but also economic and technological, contributing to the ecological transition and opening up new perspectives employment in the sector".

THEARST SpA, the Region's in-house company, has been identified as contracting authority for the intervention and will be responsible for the operational implementation by signing a specific agreement with the Directorate General of Transport.

With the approval of this resolution, the Sardinia continues on its path towards a zero-impact regional mobility, consolidating its role as pilot region in the policies of innovation in public transport.