On 12 November, the European Commission presented a new fact-finding study assessing the current state of the European hyperloop sector and exploring possible avenues for EU support.
Hyperloop has the potential to dramatically reduce travel times across the continent, delivering ultra-high-speed, low-emission passenger and freight mobility. While the technology is not in use yet, the study finds that the European hyperloop sector has progressed beyond the design stage, with several European developers at the forefront of global testing and prototyping efforts.
The study highlights that hyperloop is maturing quickly and could soon move from prototyping to demonstration
Its potential to contribute to decarbonisation, digitalisation, regional cohesion and industrial renewal makes it strategically relevant for the EU. At the same time, the sector also faces challenges such as uncertain business cases, high capital costs, and regulatory fragmentation.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, comments, “This study shows that hyperloop technology could play a role in how Europe moves people and goods in the future. As we work towards a more connected and competitive Union, the EU will continue to support technologies like hyperloop that contribute to industrial innovation, regional cohesion and sustainability.”
The European Commission supports hyperloop development by enabling innovation, experimentation, and long-term coherence across national and regional systems. Through the European Rail Joint Undertaking, the EU co-funds the Hyper4rail project, which focuses on deepening technical harmonisation and interoperability of different hyperloop solutions. An additional pilot project is planned to develop common safety requirements.
The study suggests that further advancement can be made, for instance, by facilitating a regulatory environment for testing and by aligning with long-term objectives of the TEN-T network. This could include:
- Identifying potential gaps where hyperloop could address unmet transport needs
- The use of public-private partnerships to mobilise private capital for large-scale implementation and operational management of infrastructure.
These findings will feed into the Commission’s upcoming strategy for the promotion and development of cutting-edge technologies such as hyperloop, as announced in Commissioner Tzitzikostas’ mission letter.
Source: European Commission