Alstom and Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) will unveil Italy’s first hydrogen train at EXPO Ferroviaria 2023, taking place from 3rd to 5th of October 2023 at Fiera Milano Rho. Throughout the event, Alstom will showcase a wide range of solutions and technologies to consolidate its position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.
On a ceremony that will take place on October 3, 2023, the two companies will present the hydrogen – powered Coradia Stream hydrogen train with zero direct carbon emissions equipped with fuel cells.
The rail operator of Lombardy Region and Alstom signed the contract in November 2020 for six hydrogen trains including an option for an additional batch of 8 trains. Under the EUR 160 million contract, Alstom has to deliver the new hydrogen trains this year.
The hydrogen trains are based on the Coradia Stream regional train platform and will be equipped with the same fuel cell propulsion technology the Coradia iLint is equipped. The Coradia Stream regional train is dedicated to the European market and already being produced for Italy by Alstom’s main Italian sites involving the site in Savigliano – responsible for project development, manufacturing and certification, while the site in Bologna is responsible for the on-board signalling systems.
This zero-emission train emits low levels of noise, with exhaust being only steam and condensed water. In Italy, leveraging on the experience of Coradia iLint, Alstom applied hydrogen traction technology to a Coradia Stream electrical train to maximise the synergies of a proven technology with a proven train, while increasing train capacity in order to meet the Italian customer’s needs. The two trains have a different architecture, nevertheless the technology has been easily transferred and adapted. For the Coradia Stream, Alstom has used the power-car configuration where it has concentrated most of the hydrogen equipment.
With the hydrogen power-car, Alstom exploited the Coradia Stream platform’s flexibility, selecting a four-car configuration solution as the product base. Capacity was a key requirement for the Italian project and Alstom is now providing options for up to 300 seats.
The Italy’s first hydrogen train will maintain the high standards of comfort already appreciated by passengers of its electric version. The hydrogen version will match the operational performance of diesel trains, including their range.
The hydrogen – powered train will make its debut on the commuter rail network in Valcamonica, one of the largest valleys of the central Alps, in eastern Lombardy. The train will enter commercial service on the non – electrified Brescia – Iseo – Edolo line, operated by Ferrovie Nord Milano. The Coradia Stream hydrogen train will also serve the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Cortina, showing that mobility solutions fit for the future are possible where there is a clear mandate, as in the Lombardia Region, to decarbonise transport.
The Italian rail company operates a network of 331 km in the provinces of Milan, Varese, Como, Novara, Brescia and Monza Brianza. The rail system is divided into Milan and Iseo branches. The Milano branch covers eight routes, while the Iseo branch, two routes (Brescia – Iseo – Edolo and Bornato – Rovato FN).
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