EU recognizes hyperloop in its transport network policy

Copyright: EuroTube Foundation

On June 13th, the Council of the European Union has adopted the revised legislation for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), including the mentioning of hyperloop. The new law aims to build a reliable, seamless, and high-quality transport network that ensures sustainable connectivity across Europe. The Council’s decision follows the approval by the European Parliament earlier this year and marks a milestone for the future of continental transportation. More specifically, hyperloop has been identified as a project of common interests and an opportunity to fostering an interconnected and innovative transport network.

Innovation is key

The TEN-T regulation emphasizes the critical role that various transport modes and cutting-edge technologies play in enhancing mobility across Europe. The Hyperloop Development Program (HDP) is particularly pleased that it has been stressed that the trans-European transport network needs to keep up with innovative technological developments and deployments. The regulation clearly mentions that the European Commission and the Member States should encourage projects, which aim to promote and deploy sustainable emerging technologies that enhance and ease the transport and mobility of passengers and freight.

New railway technology

One of the examples to encourage the realization of more sustainable transportation is to include new railway technologies such as hyperloop. This recognition of hyperloop as a key technology and future transport mode highlights its potential to bring impactful added value through more sustainable, efficient, and high-speed travel options for both passengers and freight.

Next steps to realization

The HDP looks forward to collaborating with EU Member States, the European Parliament, the European Commission and other stakeholders to turn the vision of hyperloop into reality, creating a seamless, advanced and multimodal transport network that benefits everyone. The HDP EU research infrastructure cluster for hyperloop has been set up of which the European Hyperloop Center, located in the Netherlands, and the DemoTube R&D testing facility, based in Switzerland, are hubs for hyperloop development. Aside from this initiative, many of the HDP partner organizations already have developed testing facilities and materials that prove the functioning of core elements for hyperloop and related technologies.