Hydrogen-powered train by Alstom debuts in Italy
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 28
- 6 min read
Italy has embarked on a significant milestone in sustainable transportation with the introduction of its first hydrogen-powered train, the Coradia Stream H, developed by Alstom.
This initiative is according to Alstom part of the H2iseO project, aiming to establish a hydrogen-based economy in the Lombardy region. This development aligns with the European Union's objective to reduce CO₂ emissions by 100% by 2050, positioning Italy at the forefront of eco-friendly rail transportation.
Unveiling and testing
The Coradia Stream H was first presented in October 2023, showcasing a design that integrates hydrogen fuel cells into its propulsion system. Following its unveiling, the train underwent rigorous static and dynamic testing at Alstom's facility in Salzgitter, Germany. In early February 2025, it arrived at the Rovato maintenance center in Lombardy, where it commenced refueling trials and operational tests. These tests are crucial to ensure the train's performance and safety before it enters passenger service.
Technical specifications
The Coradia Stream H is a four-car multiple unit with a seating capacity of 260 passengers and a range exceeding 600 kilometers on a single hydrogen refueling. Its design is based on the existing Coradia Stream electric multiple unit platform, modified to incorporate hydrogen fuel cells, similar to those used in Alstom's Coradia iLint trains. This configuration enables the train to operate on non-electrified lines, emitting only water vapor and reducing CO₂ emissions to zero during operation.
Infrastructure development
To support the deployment of hydrogen trains, a dedicated maintenance and refueling facility has been established in Rovato. This facility is equipped to handle the specific requirements of hydrogen technology, including safe refueling processes and specialized maintenance protocols. The hydrogen fuel is supplied by the Italian company Sapio, which has been instrumental in developing the necessary refueling infrastructure.
Future plans
The introduction of the Coradia Stream H is a significant step in the H2iseO project, which aims to create a hydrogen-based economy in the Lombardy region. The project includes plans to replace existing diesel trains with hydrogen-powered units on non-electrified lines, contributing to the decarbonization of public transport. The first passenger services using the Coradia Stream H are expected to commence by the end of 2025, marking a new era of sustainable rail travel in Italy.
Key facts Coradia Stream H and Alstom
The Coradia Stream H is a hydrogen-powered train developed by Alstom for use in Italy.
It is based on the Coradia Stream electric multiple unit but modified to include hydrogen fuel cells for propulsion.
The train has a range of over 600 km on a single hydrogen refueling.
It features four-car configurations with a seating capacity of 260 passengers.
The train emits zero CO₂ emissions, with only water vapor as a byproduct.
It was first unveiled in October 2023 and began testing in early 2025 in Lombardy, Italy.
Testing and maintenance are conducted at the Rovato maintenance center, where a dedicated hydrogen refueling facility has been established.
Hydrogen fuel for the train is supplied by the Italian company Sapio.
It is part of the H2iseO project, which aims to replace diesel trains with hydrogen-powered alternatives in the Lombardy region.
Passenger services with the Coradia Stream H are expected to begin by late 2025. Alstom is a French multinational company specializing in rail transport solutions, including high-speed trains, metros, trams, and signaling systems.
The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Saint-Ouen, France.
Alstom is known for manufacturing the TGV and Avelia high-speed trains, as well as the Coradia series of regional trains.
In 2021, Alstom acquired Bombardier Transportation, expanding its presence in the global rail market.
The company operates in over 60 countries and employs more than 80,000 people worldwide.
Alstom is a leader in green mobility, pioneering hydrogen-powered trains like the Coradia iLint and Coradia Stream H.
The company also develops autonomous train technology, smart signaling systems, and urban transit solutions.
Its major projects include the Grand Paris Express, London’s Elizabeth Line, and the renovation of Amtrak’s Acela fleet.
Alstom is committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable rail transport worldwide.
Hydrogen trains around the World
Hydrogen-powered trains are gaining momentum globally as a sustainable alternative to diesel-powered rail transport.
These zero-emission trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Several countries have introduced or are testing hydrogen trains, paving the way for a cleaner future in rail transportation.
Hydrogen-powered trains continue to expand worldwide, with more countries investing in this technology for a greener future in rail transportation.
Europe
Germany
Train Model: Coradia iLint (Alstom)
Operator: Lower Saxony Transport Authority (LNVG), Rhine-Main Transport Authority
Launch Year: 2018 (pilot), 2022 (full operation)
Details: Germany was the first country to introduce hydrogen-powered passenger trains, with a fleet of 14 Coradia iLint trains now running in Lower Saxony.
Italy
Train Model: Coradia Stream H (Alstom)
Operator: Trenitalia
Launch Year: 2024 (testing phase)
Details: Italy’s first hydrogen train is currently undergoing tests in Calabria, with plans to expand hydrogen rail services across the country.
France
Train Model: Coradia Polyvalent Hydrogen (Alstom)
Operator: SNCF
Launch Year: Expected 2025
Details: France has ordered hydrogen trains to replace diesel units on regional rail networks. Four regions—Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, and Occitanie—are set to introduce these trains.
United Kingdom
Train Models: HydroFLEX (Porterbrook) & Breeze (Alstom)
Operator: Various UK rail operators
Launch Year: 2019 (trials)
Details: The HydroFLEX project is the UK’s first hydrogen train, developed by Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham. The government is exploring wider adoption for decarbonizing rail transport. The Netherlands
Train Model: Coradia iLint (Alstom)
Operator: Arriva Netherlands
Launch Year: 2020 (testing)
Details: A successful pilot project in Groningen demonstrated the potential of hydrogen trains on non-electrified routes.
Austria
Train Model: Coradia iLint (Alstom)
Operator: ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)
Launch Year: 2020 (pilot program)
Details: Austria conducted a three-month test with a hydrogen train to evaluate its efficiency on regional lines.
Poland
Train Model: Pesa Hydrogen Train
Operator: Pesa Bydgoszcz
Launch Year: 2022 (testing phase)
Details: Polish manufacturer Pesa developed the country's first hydrogen train, which is being tested for commercial service.
Sweden
Train Model: Coradia iLint (Alstom)
Operator: Statens Järnvägar (SJ)
Launch Year: Expected 2025
Details: Sweden plans to introduce hydrogen trains to replace diesel units in rural areas with no electrified tracks.
Asia
China
Train Model: Hydrogen-powered urban train (CRRC)
Operator: CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation)
Launch Year: 2023
Details: China unveiled its first hydrogen-powered train, which can reach speeds of 160 km/h. It is designed for urban transit and high-speed regional services.
Japan
Train Model: Hybari (Hitachi & Toyota)
Operator: JR East
Launch Year: 2022 (testing)
Details: Japan developed the Hybari hydrogen train, aimed at reducing emissions on non-electrified railway lines.
South Korea
Train Model: Hyundai Rotem Hydrogen Train
Operator: Korail
Launch Year: Expected 2025
Details: South Korea is developing hydrogen-powered trains as part of its strategy to transition to cleaner energy sources in rail transport.
North America
United States
Train Model: FLIRT H2 (Stadler)
Operator: San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)
Launch Year: Expected 2024
Details: The first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S. will operate in California, replacing diesel commuter trains.
Canada
Train Model: Hydrogen-powered train (Alstom)
Operator: Canadian Pacific (CP)
Launch Year: Expected 2025
Details: Canada is developing hydrogen trains for freight transport, with CP leading the initiative.
South America
Brazil
Train Model: Brazilian Hydrogen Train (in development)
Operator: Vale
Launch Year: Expected 2026
Details: Brazil is exploring hydrogen-powered trains to reduce emissions in mining operations.
Oceania
Australia
Train Model: Hydrail Project (in development)
Operator: Queensland Rail
Launch Year: Expected 2026
Details: Australia is testing hydrogen trains for regional rail services in Queensland as part of its clean energy transition.
