Construction of the hydrogen production and distribution plants in Iseo and Edolo, built by FERROVIENORD as part of the H2iseO project, has been completed. The FNM Group has therefore fully achieved the objectives required to secure PNRR funding for the project through the Lombardy Region. The funds allocated amount to €97.2 million out of a total of €362.4 million and cover these two plants as well as the hydrogen refuelling facility in Rovato, which has been operational since 2025.
The actual disbursement of the funding was conditional on meeting specific deadlines. The first milestone concerned the so-called “legally binding obligation”, meaning the signing of the contracts required to build the facilities by 31 December 2023. The final milestone was the completion of the works by 30 June 2026.
The plants will enter service following testing and commissioning activities, which are scheduled to be carried out and completed over the coming weeks, in coordination with the dynamic testing of the new hydrogen-powered trains. Following the authorisation issued by ANSFISA for the new trains to operate on FERROVIENORD’s Brescia–Iseo–Edolo line, a series of activities is planned ahead of the launch of commercial services in early 2027. These include dynamic acceptance tests at the Rovato site and along the Brescia–Edolo line, as well as a further series of test runs on the line to simulate different potential commercial operating conditions.
ISEO PLANT – The Iseo plant is located entirely on land leased to FERROVIENORD, with the exception of a small area acquired from private owners, in the immediate vicinity of the existing Trenord depot. The plant will produce hydrogen from biomethane, recovering the CO₂ generated in the process. The hydrogen will then be stored and distributed through two dispensers capable of refuelling two trains on two separate tracks at a pressure of 350 bar.
Designed and built in compliance with the technical standards for hydrogen refuelling facilities set out in Ministerial Decree of 23 October 2018, which governs safety requirements and equipment, the plant includes a steam reforming hydrogen production system with a nominal production capacity of 1,150 kg of hydrogen per day (420 tonnes per year), a bay for receiving hydrogen tube trailers if required, and hydrogen storage facilities with a total capacity of 1,450 kg.
EDOLO PLANT – The Edolo plant is located on land leased to FERROVIENORD and on disused, uncontaminated industrial land. It will produce hydrogen through electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources. The hydrogen will be stored and distributed through two dispensers at a pressure of 350 bar.
Designed and built in compliance with the technical standards for hydrogen refuelling facilities set out in Ministerial Decree of 23 October 2018 and for hydrogen production through electrolysis under Ministerial Decree of 7 July 2023, which govern safety requirements and equipment, the plant includes an electrolysis-based hydrogen production system with a nominal production capacity of 1,644 kg of hydrogen per day (600 tonnes per year), a bay for receiving hydrogen tube trailers if required, and hydrogen storage facilities with a total capacity of 2,489 kg.
“The completion of the Iseo and Edolo plants and the resulting confirmation of PNRR funding, made possible through the decisive support of the Lombardy Region, represent another major milestone towards the full implementation of the H2iseO project,” said FNM President Andrea Gibelli. “We have always believed in this initiative, which will soon lead to the introduction of new trains capable of significantly reducing emissions, in the name of technological innovation, sustainability and development. H2iseO is now confirmed as a tangible industrial and environmental project, designed to decarbonise a non-electrified railway line and capable of becoming a model that can be replicated nationwide. I would like to thank all the professionals within the FNM Group and the technical and institutional partners who contributed to this achievement, particularly the Lombardy Region for its continued support.”
“The construction of the Iseo and Edolo plants,” said FNM Managing Director Fulvio Caradonna, “marks a decisive step forward and confirms the strength of a long and complex industrial and administrative process that the Group has pursued with determination and professionalism. This milestone brings us closer to our goal of transforming the mobility system in Valcamonica and the province of Brescia. I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to everyone in the FNM Group and to our technical and institutional partners, particularly the Lombardy Region. The shared commitment of all those involved has made it possible to take another very important step towards the launch of commercial services.”
“FERROVIENORD has been working for some time on the construction of hydrogen production and distribution facilities, technical and infrastructure upgrades, and the preparation of train storage and maintenance sites,” said FERROVIENORD President Pier Antonio Rossetti. “Once again, we must recognise the professionalism and dedication of the technicians and specialists who continue to work tirelessly to complete this pioneering project, which has significant environmental and social value and will make it possible to replace diesel trains with environmentally friendly rolling stock.”
THE PROJECT – Promoted by FNM, FERROVIENORD and Trenord, with the support of the Lombardy Region, the H2iseO project aims to develop a hydrogen-based economic and industrial supply chain in Valcamonica, starting with the mobility sector, initiate the region’s energy transition and contribute to decarbonising a significant share of local public transport.
The H2iseO project includes the introduction of 14 new hydrogen-powered trains to replace the entire diesel fleet currently operating on the line; the construction of hydrogen production and distribution facilities; technical and infrastructure upgrades at the stations concerned; and the construction of a depot and maintenance facility for hydrogen-powered trains.
H2iseO addresses a concrete need: to progressively replace a diesel fleet on a non-electrified railway line while avoiding solutions that would require extensive construction work, prolonged disruption to services and significant impacts on the local area.
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