European Parliament’s transport committee visits hyperloop development
On November 7, the European Parliament's Transport Committee embarked on a visit to Rotterdam. They explored new ways of transportation through a look at hyperloop technology and complementary modalities. The delegation engaged with partners of the ecosystem, including hyperloop developers, stakeholders in the transportation and building industries, and participants in the community of cities and regions ‘Hyperconnected Europe’.
Hyperloop Experience Center
The European Parliament's Transport Committee convened in Rotterdam, a city at the forefront of innovative transportation solutions, to examine the potential of the hyperloop as a transformative mode of transit. One of the highlights of the visit was a tour in the Hyperloop Experience Center, which features a demonstration cabin of a hyperloop vehicle, a multimodal route planner that compares travel time, CO2 emissions and energy usage between different modalities, and a small-scale demonstration of hyperloop propulsion and levitation.
Low-speed test facility
Furthermore, the delegation had the opportunity to visit Hardt Hyperloop’s low-speed test facility in Rotterdam, where Members of European Parliament walked through the infrastructure and witnessed the innovative technology up close. This immersive experience allowed the delegation to witness the real-world potential of hyperloop technology.
Multimodal approach
In addition to these experiences, it was shown how hyperloop technology can complement existing modalities. At the Future Mobility Park, the delegation explored the synergy between hyperloop, autonomous shuttle cars, and drones, understanding how these technologies can work together. Hyperloop needs first and last mile solutions, as well as innovative ways to inspect the infrastructure for safety and maintenance. This holistic approach to transportation was seen as pivotal in addressing the ever-evolving needs of European citizens and businesses.
Hyperconnected Europe
The committee members also engaged in discussions with participants within the community of regions and cities ‘Hyperconnected Europe’. Representatives of the City of Rotterdam and the Province of Groningen elaborated on why hyperloop development has been embraced locally and regionally. The European Parliament's Transport Committee expressed their appreciation for their forward-thinking approach. Member of European Parliament Caroline Nagtegaal stated:
“Hyperloop technology is not a utopia anymore, it's becoming a reality. It has the potential to be of great value complementing the European mobility system. It is sustainable, it is energy efficient, it is quiet, and it is fast! Therefore, the EU should start to harmonise technical and safety requirements, without hampering further innovation, and come up with an EU-wide regulatory framework which aims to form the backbone for further development of this promising transport technology. This will help to roll-out hyperloop infrastructure the same way everywhere in the EU.”
Upcoming European Parliament elections
During the visit, the Hyperloop Development Program presented a position paper for the European Parliament elections in June 2024. The paper outlines key policy needs. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating hyperloop technology within the revised TEN-T regulation and the establishment of a EU regulatory framework for hyperloop regulation. Additionally, the paper provides European policymakers with a roadmap, clarifying the stages required for testing, demonstrating, and ultimately implementing hyperloop. The position paper can be accessed through the download link above this article.
Next step in hyperloop development: European Hyperloop Center
The visit of the Transport Committee coincided with the announcement that Zeleros, a leading European company specializing in hyperloop vehicle design and development, is joining the HDP. Next to other hyperloop technology developers, Zeleros will perform tests at the European Hyperloop Center in the Province of Groningen, the Netherlands. The European Hyperloop Center is the HDP’s main project to bring forward technological development in an innovative environment that is open to various companies and research institutes.