Hyperloop: the future of transportation

InnoEnergy, the European community for knowledge and innovation in sustainable energy, is investing up to five million euros in Hardt, the Dutch start-up that is developing the hyperloop in Europe.

Hyperloop is based on the concept of a system of sealed tubes through which a pod may travel free of air resistance or friction conveying people or objects at high speed while being very efficient. As a high-capacity transportation system, hyperloop will connect cities of every size at any distance. It will work like a highway, with on- and off-ramps to go from city to city without transfers, offering a point-to-point, direct connection. Its infrastructure will not be subject to sound or environmental emissions. Integrated solar panels will offer the necessary energy to power the technology.

Hardt is investing the funds in the consortium that has been established to standardise and regulate the technology behind the hyperloop to accelerate its successful implementation in Europe. This consortium is formed by ENGIE Laborelec, a leading expertise and research centre in electrical power technology and part of Tractebel, Deutsche Bahn, represented by DB Engineering & Consulting, and Continental. Tim Houter, CEO Hardt Hyperloop: “This consortium is a movement of industrial partners who are working together to realise the hyperloop. Collaboration at this level is crucial. We’re delighted with these new partners.”

Making the transport sector more sustainable is a key item on the European Community agenda and, given the recent discussions on the sharp increase in the number of flight movements, the hyperloop is increasingly being named as a sustainable alternative. The investment by InnoEnergy is part of a bigger round of investments for which Hardt is still seeking other parties to join.