Italy’s rail safety authority ANSFISA has issued commissioning authorisation for hydrogen trains on the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line in Lombardy.
The project is Italy’s first hydrogen train operation and one of Europe’s larger regional hydrogen rail deployments. It covers 14 Alstom hydrogen trains that will replace the diesel fleet currently operating on the non-electrified Brescia-Iseo-Edolo route.
H2iseO is promoted by FNM, FERROVIENORD and Trenord, with support from the Lombardy Region. The programme also includes hydrogen production and distribution facilities, station upgrades, and depot and maintenance infrastructure for the new fleet.
The authorisation process began in 2022 and involved FNM, FERROVIENORD, Trenord, Alstom, ANSFISA, certification bodies, conformity assessment organisations, risk assessment bodies, research institutions and the maintenance entity. The process addressed the introduction of hydrogen-powered rolling stock within Italy’s rail safety and approval framework.
Static acceptance testing is underway at Rovato for the first seven trains delivered under PNRR funding. These tests will continue over the coming months, while one additional train will enter the same process in the second half of 2026.
Dynamic acceptance tests will follow for each train at Rovato and on the Brescia-Edolo line. The fleet will then complete further trial runs under different simulated commercial operating conditions.
Commercial operation remains subject to completion of the experimental operating period required under the commissioning authorisation.
