Italy: The rebuilt locomotive, designated HB1-001 FENHYCE, was presented at Sitav’s maintenance facility in Piacenza. The project involved the modernisation of a class D.145 shunting locomotive, originally manufactured by Fiat Savigliano between 1982 and 1995.
The original diesel engine has been replaced with hydrogen fuel cells developed in partnership with the University of Genoa, supplemented by auxiliary batteries. According to Sitav, the 72-tonne locomotive is capable of hauling trains weighing up to 2,200 t on gradients of up to 4‰. Power output is variable between 450 kW and 900 kW.
The HB1-001 FENHYCE is equipped with remote diagnostics and energy recuperation systems. Czech supplier DAKO-CZ provided the braking and anti-slip systems, as well as driver’s cab equipment.
Certification of the locomotive is expected by December, with operational trials in partnership with potential customers scheduled for next year.
