Italy is entering an environmentally friendly era in rail transport. New-generation biomethane-powered rail vehicles have entered service on the Sulmona–Carpinone and Pergola–Fabriano routes, which offer the opportunity to travel through the country’s picturesque landscapes. These eco-friendly trains, which can reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour and have a capacity of 68 passengers, represent an important innovation in sustainable transport.
Project Implemented in Collaboration with FS, Hitachi Rail and Snam
This innovative project is the product of a successful collaboration between Italy’s national railway operator FS (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane), railway technology giant Hitachi Rail and energy company Snam. The three institutions signed a memorandum of understanding in 2019 to modernise the existing train fleet. This collaboration has not only preserved and modernised historic railway vehicles, but also provided a more environmentally friendly transport alternative.
Comprehensive Modernization of ALn 668 Wagons
As part of the project, the ALn 1980 type wagons, originally manufactured in the 668s, were subjected to a comprehensive overhaul by FS. The renovation work carried out at the Rimini depot included the installation of new bogies, renewed transmission systems, strengthening of the engines and a complete redesign of the passenger cabin. This brought the old wagons up to current standards in technical terms and made them more comfortable for passengers.
Hitachi Rail’s Biomethane Conversion and Emission Reduction
An important part of the modernization was the engine conversion carried out by Hitachi Rail. The company significantly improved the environmental performance of the trains by redesigning the existing engines to run on liquefied biomethane. This conversion increased the trains’ range from 500 to 600 kilometers, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by 20%.
Potential for Emission Reductions of Up to 80% with Biofuels
The modernised wagons can run not only on biomethane but also on alternative biofuels. In this case, CO₂ emissions could be reduced by up to 80%, in line with the European Union’s climate-neutral transport policies. This feature offers significant flexibility in achieving Italy’s sustainable transport targets.
Reasons for Italy’s Biofuel Investment
Italy’s investment in this technology is based on a strategy to combine heritage with innovation and adapt historic railway vehicles to modern environmental and tourism demands. The use of liquefied biomethane is a concrete demonstration of the country’s commitment to low-emission transport and reduced carbon footprint. This step represents a strategic step towards sustainable mobility for Italy and could serve as an example for other countries.
