Having gained experience in the maintenance, both routine and corrective, of locomotives, high-speed trains and carriages, Sitav has now stepped into the role of manufacturer, embracing the future of hydrogen propulsion. Just a few months after announcing the project, Sitav, whose operational headquarters are located in Rottofreno in the province of Piacenza, presented its hydrogen-powered locomotive prototype at the most recent edition of the Hydrogen Expo held in Piacenza in June. The vehicle is designed for shunting and last-mile operations.
Sitav, which stands for Società Italiana Treni Alta Velocità and is responsible for the maintenance of Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains, has developed the project in collaboration with several companies specialised in their respective fields. These include Omg Manufacturing, based in Cairo Montenotte and focused on railway rolling stock construction; BluEnergy Revolution, dedicated to the research and production of green hydrogen; and Czech firm Dako-Cz, which supplies railway components.
The locomotive prototype, which will make its official debut at Expo Ferroviaria 2025 on 30 September in Milan, is a four-axle unit built on the frame and bogies of an existing traction vehicle, but fully upgraded with new braking systems and all onboard systems, including a refurbished driver's cab. At the heart of the locomotive is the hydrogen propulsion unit, developed in cooperation with the University of Genoa. The vehicle features remote diagnostics and regenerative braking. Weighing 72 tonnes, it can tow up to 2,200 tonnes even on moderately inclined routes, making it ideal for shunting tasks in ports or intermodal terminals.
According to Sitav, the solution adopted for this prototype can be easily transferred to new locomotives or, crucially, to existing ones in need of refurbishment, thereby extending their operational lifespan. It is estimated that traction units with continuous power outputs between 450 and 900 kW can be developed, including hybrid configurations that incorporate thermal engines or electric systems powered by overhead lines or storage batteries.
The prototype presented is a four-axle unit, but Sitav is also designing a three-axle version. The company has reportedly initiated all certification procedures through Ansfisa, the national railway safety agency, with the aim of securing final authorisation by 2025. This would allow serial production to begin the following year in response to market demand.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
