European Hyperloop Center marks its kick-off in Veendam, Groningen
Veendam, Groningen, September 27th, 2023
At the European Hyperloop Center (EHC) Kick-off Event, the Hyperloop Development Program (HDP), together with its partners, stakeholders, and hyperloop enthusiasts, celebrated the ceremonial placement of one of the first hyperloop pipes at the EHC. This monumental occasion was graced by the Commissioner of the King from the province of Groningen, René Paas.
The EHC, once complete, will host a 420-meter length hyperloop test facility, with a full hyperloop lane-switch.
Coen de Ronde, director of the Hyperloop Development Program, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Hyperloop can only be realized through strong collaboration between partners. The European Hyperloop Center focuses on enabling the development of hyperloop by several technology developers from around the globe, of which many are HDP partners who are eager to make this innovation work.”
Several technology developers have expressed interest in testing at the EHC, including Eurotube from Switzerland, Hardt Hyperloop from the Netherlands, Nevomo from Poland, and Zeleros from Spain. Notably, Hardt Hyperloop has announced that they will provide a state-of-the-art technology test & demonstration vehicle. With infrastructure placement set to conclude by year-end, eager eyes are set on the slew of tests lined up for next year.
Sascha Lamme, Director of the European Hyperloop Center, shared his perspective: “This center is more than just infrastructure; it's a hub of innovation and collaboration. We're providing a stage for brilliant minds to bring the hyperloop dream into reality, and we're ecstatic to see what the future holds.”
During the event, two significant announcements further underscored the Center’s pivotal role in hyperloop development worldwide. The Hyperloop Conference, a global gathering previously held in cities like Busan, South Korea, and Gdansk, Poland, will be hosted at the European Hyperloop Center in 2024, coinciding with its official opening. Moreover, the European Hyperloop Week, a dynamic student competition where participants design and compete with their hyperloop vehicles, is set to be held at the Center in 2025.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Hans Popken, Project Manager for hyperloop from the Province of Groningen, remarked, “The Province of Groningen is proud to have won the location for the European Hyperloop Center. With the EHC being built right here in Veendam, we're not just building a facility, but strengthening our commitment to sustainable, cutting-edge transportation. It is great to see it coming alive now.”
The EHC is the main project of the Hyperloop Development Program, a public-private partnership consisting of more than 20 private partners, with financial backing from the European Commission, Dutch Government, and the Province of Groningen among others.