Hydrogen Trains Arrive in Italy, Backed by €3.64 Billion from the PNRR: Here’s Where They Will Operate

Investing in Hydrogen Trains: The Brescia-Iseo-Edolo Project

Within the approved PNRR plan, 3.64 billion euros are allocated to promote renewable energy, specifically hydrogen.
A portion of this fund will be utilized to equip the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo railway line with hydrogen-powered trains.

The announcement was made nearly a year ago by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.
Initial construction work began this summer to upgrade the railway line.
It is estimated that by December 2024, the first hydrogen-powered trains will commence trial runs, with an official debut expected in 2025.
However, this timeline may be affected by various factors, particularly during the construction of this unique initiative in Italy.
Notably, the initial procurement tenders for hydrogen supply went unfulfilled.

Overview of H2Iseo Hydrogen Valley Project

The “H2iseO Hydrogen Valley” project focuses on sustainable mobility in the Val Camonica region.
Collaboratively developed by FNM, FERROVIENORD, and Trenord, the aim is to decarbonize public transport services and facilitate a transition towards a more sustainable transportation system.

The total investment amounts to 400 million euros, with 97.2 million sourced from the PNRR.
Fourteen hydrogen-powered trains are set to be purchased once the line is operational, following the necessary upgrades of over 50 kilometers of tracks.

Planned Infrastructure Upgrades

The first construction phase will cover the Brescia-Bornato section at a cost of 17 million euros, while the second phase, involving the Artogne-Edolo stretch, will require 47 million euros.

The project encompasses not only the procurement of trains and technical upgrades but also includes:

• Three facilities for the production, storage, and distribution of renewable hydrogen without CO2 emissions (using biogas steam reforming and electrolytic technology powered by renewable electricity).
• A mobile refueling station located in Rovato.
• A maintenance and storage depot for the trains in Rovato.

Although the hydrogen production facilities are all under contract, they will take two years to become operational.
In the interim, hydrogen will be delivered to the province of Brescia via tankers.

Future Developments and Criticism

Furthermore, in a subsequent phase, the introduction of 40 hydrogen buses is planned to replace the entire fleet currently utilized by FNM Autoservizi in Valcamonica.

However, the project faces criticism.
Hydrogen technology often finds itself at odds with high costs and long implementation timelines.
Concerns regarding the efficiency of hydrogen-powered trains have also emerged.
For instance, in Germany’s Saxony region, hydrogen trains had been in use for several years but were ultimately replaced with battery-operated trains due to low efficiency and high costs.

For further reading on the importance of alternative energy sources, check out this article on the future of white hydrogen in mining companies: Why Mining Companies Bet on White Hydrogen?