Economy, Energy
Launch of the Benelux Hyperloop Study
20 Nov. 2024
On Monday, September 16, the study on the Benelux hyperloop was presented to Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux. This study was conducted by an external consultant at the request of a Benelux working group, in which the relevant governments collaborated. The aim of the study is to examine whether the hyperloop, an innovative and ultra-fast form of transportation, can be developed in the Benelux and North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). The main questions revolve around the feasibility of creating an industrial cluster for hyperloop development and identifying a suitable location for the first test track.
The Hyperloop
But what exactly is a hyperloop? The hyperloop is an innovative transportation concept in which people and goods are transported at high speeds through a near-vacuum tube, with no air resistance or friction. This system promises to be faster, more energy-efficient, and more environmentally friendly than traditional means of transportation such as trains or airplanes.
International Cooperation and Innovation
The study’s presentation took place at the Dutch Embassy in Brussels, in the presence of Brechje Schwachöfer, the designated Dutch ambassador to Belgium. She emphasized the innovative and cross-border nature of the project, as well as the significant opportunities for cooperation it offers within the Benelux region. Several companies involved in the development of the hyperloop showcased their progress and called for government support to establish appropriate regulations and frameworks for this promising technology.
Frans Weekers highlighted that now is the right time to invest in major cross-border industrial projects, particularly in light of recent reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta.
The European Commission
The European Commission noted that the hyperloop is already being discussed as part of several EU initiatives. While the potential of the concept is being taken seriously, the Commission believes it is still too early to propose specific regulations or conduct an impact analysis.
