EU Hyperloop: Demonstrations, Challenges & Future of Rail Tech

Introduction

A new study by the European Commission indicates that the European hyperloop sector may soon transition from prototyping to demonstration. The study explores potential avenues for EU support and will inform the Commission’s upcoming strategy for promoting cutting-edge technologies, including hyperloop.

Hyperloop Maturation and Strategic Relevance

The European Commission’s study assesses the current state of the European hyperloop sector. The study highlights the rapid maturation of hyperloop technology, suggesting it could soon move from prototyping to demonstration. The study emphasizes the strategic relevance of hyperloop for the EU, citing its potential contributions to decarbonisation, digitalisation, regional cohesion, and industrial renewal.

Challenges and Cost Considerations

The study also acknowledges challenges facing the European hyperloop, including uncertain business cases, high capital costs, and regulatory fragmentation. Cost estimates remain theoretical and subject to revision, being that hyperloop is an emerging technology. Capital expenditure (CAPEX) estimates for a hyperloop 700/km greenfield investment start from EUR 33.9 million per kilometre, with the highest CAPEX at EUR 36.9 million per kilometre. An independent industry expert stated that an average capital cost of less than EUR 20 million per kilometre is a realistic target in a European context. The total estimated costs at the EU level range between EUR 23 billion and EUR 808 billion.

EU Support and Future Developments

The European Commission supports hyperloop development by enabling innovation, experimentation, and long-term coherence across national and regional systems. Through the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, the EU co-funds the Hyper4rail project, which focuses on deepening technical harmonisation and interoperability of different hyperloop solutions. A pilot project is planned to develop common safety requirements. The study suggests further advancements can be made by facilitating a regulatory environment for testing and aligning with the long-term objectives of the TEN-T network. The study also suggests identifying potential gaps where hyperloop could address unmet transport needs, and the use of public-private partnerships to mobilize private capital for large-scale implementation and operational management of infrastructure.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s study indicates that the European hyperloop sector may soon move from prototyping to demonstration. The study findings will inform the Commission’s upcoming strategy for promoting cutting-edge technologies. The EU supports hyperloop development through various initiatives, including the Hyper4rail project.

Company Summary

European Commission: The European Commission is responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing European laws, and directing the day-to-day business of the EU.

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking: The Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking is an EU partnership aimed at accelerating the development of innovative railway products and solutions.

Technology

Hyper4rail project: The Hyper4rail project is co-funded by the EU and focuses on deepening technical harmonisation and interoperability of different hyperloop solutions.