Hydrogen-powered trains operation. Normative constraints and assessment on a cases study // Servizi ferroviari con treni a idrogeno. Vincoli normativi e valutazione di un caso di studio

Summary-The use of Hydrogen-powered propulsion in railways is very promising and already found relevant com-mercial applications. Some potential barriers emerged any-way as critical issues addressed by the scientific commu-nity, about the Hydrogen distribution and storage onboard. Indeed, Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) and tankers must fulfil safety criteria not yet consolidated in railway regulations and manage effectively recharging time con-straints. In this context, the present study focuses on two key aspects of the problem: 1) the identification of the exist-ing normative constraints, at various levels, in the process to design sustainable and harmonized safety rules based on systematic and robust risk analysis approaches; 2) the com-parative assessment of the present diesel-powered operation on a case study not electrified line with the solution of Hydrogen-powered operation, without need of investments on catenary.