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A Giant Leap for Loop: Towards a harmonized implementable Hyperloop concept with Hyper4Rail

Project description

Hyperloop technology for sustainable rail transport systems

With its diverse national regulations, Europe’s fragmented rail transport system requires innovative solutions. Hyperloop technology offers a socioeconomically efficient and sustainable transport solution for Europe. The EU-funded Hyper4Rail project aims to shape future mobility by unifying efforts toward a standardised hyperloop system across Europe. The project will develop a common European hyperloop design concept and demonstrate core subsystems. It will identify pathways for industrialisation and commercialisation, supported by a business case for viable use cases. Aligned with the EU’s industrial strategy, the project promotes a technology-agnostic approach and resilient transport and supply chains. It also supports the goals of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking’s multi-annual work programme.

Objective

"Europe's fragmented transport system, characterised by a diverse range of national regulations, necessitates innovative solutions. This densely populated, polycentric landscape presents a unique opportunity to address congestion, decarbonise transport, and connect regions. Recognising the transformative potential of hyperloop technology, Hyper4Rail aims to shape future mobility by converging European efforts towards a standardised hyperloop system.

Led by the Hyperloop Development Program (HDP), Hyper4Rail brings together key European players – major hyperloop developers and Rail Europe members – to establish a common European hyperloop design concept at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2. This will be followed by demonstrating core subsystems at TRL 4 and defining pathways for industrialization and commercialisation, underpinned by a business case that identifies potentially viable use cases. Aligning with the EU's industrial strategy, Hyper4Rail fosters a technology-agnostic approach, leadership in standard setting, and the development of resilient passenger transport and supply chains.

Hyper4Rail pursues a two-pronged approach: (1) technical harmonisation, industrialisation roadmaps, and applicability studies at TRL 2; and (2) design concept and validation of key subsystems at TRL 4. This directly addresses the goals of the Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking's Multiannual Work Programme (MAWP), particularly Flagship Area 7: ""Innovation on new approaches for guided transport modes"". As stated in the MAWP, this area seeks to explore ""non-traditional and emerging flexible and/or high-speed guided transport systems,"" including ""new types of railway-based transport, such as ultra-high-speed trains"". Hyperloop technology aligns strongly with this vision, aiming to provide a socioeconomically efficient and long-term sustainable transport solution for citizens and businesses across Europe."

Coordinator

STICHTING HYPERLOOP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Net EU contribution
€ 153 450,00
Total cost
No data

Participants (23)

Partners (3)

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