Hydrogen-powered trains debuting in northern Italy

Residents in Valcamonica, a region in northern Italy, will soon have the option to travel on hydrogen-powered trains. This initiative will launch next year and will mark the first implementation of such trains in the country. The project involves an investment of 367 million euros, about 396 million dollars, aiming to reduce pollution from diesel trains currently used in the area. Fourteen zero-emission trains made in Italy by the French company Alstom will replace the existing diesel trains. This move aligns with the European Union's goals for energy transition, promoting green hydrogen as a more sustainable fuel source in transportation and energy generation. Andrea Gibelli, chairman of the transport company overseeing the project, acknowledged the high costs linked to the initiative. He noted that electric trains would be more economical, but they would require a significant investment in new infrastructure. The cost to electrify the railway line would reach about 450 million euros. Half of the project's budget is directed towards the purchase of the new hydrogen trains. Although hydrogen is currently expensive to produce, Gibelli believes it is still a worthwhile investment due to the ecological advantages and the expense savings compared with electrifying the rail line. The project also tackles the hydrogen supply challenge by installing on-site electrolysers that will generate green hydrogen using renewable energy sources. Importantly for travelers, there will be no fare increases related to this new project, as funding is secured from the regional government and European recovery plans.