The first hydrogen-powered train in Italy has arrived at the new maintenance and refueling facility in Rovato, Lombardy. The train, part of a fleet of 14 units purchased by Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) with funding from the Lombardy Region and PNRR resources, was delivered after testing at Alstom's circuit in Salzgitter, Germany.
The facility in Rovato, developed by FERROVIENORD, is the first depot in Italy specifically designed for hydrogen train maintenance and refueling. Testing of the refueling plant and trial refueling of the train are set to begin soon, carried out by the hydrogen supplier Sapio.
The train is intended for service on the Brescia–Iseo–Edolo line, a non-electrified route managed by Trenord in the Valcamonica region. This deployment is part of the broader H2iseO project, which aims to establish Italy's first Hydrogen Valley in the area. The project, led by FNM, FERROVIENORD, and Trenord, focuses on developing a hydrogen supply chain and decarbonizing public transport in the region.
The H2iseO initiative includes plans for three hydrogen production, storage, and distribution plants in Brescia, Iseo, and Edolo. The newly completed Rovato facility will play a central role in supporting the hydrogen train operations and infrastructure.
