The European Commission has identified hyperloop as a “game-changing mobility technology” in its sustainability strategy.

The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – released this week – says that developing new technologies is “key to staying ahead of the curve”.

The strategy outlines how the EU will reduce transit-related greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 as part of the European Green Deal. It backs the wider use of hyperloop going forward, along with drones, autonomous vehicles, hydrogen aircraft, electric personal air vehicles, electric waterborne transport and clean urban logistics.

“An enabling environment for such game-changing mobility technologies is key, so that the EU can become a prime deployment destination for innovators,” the strategy says.

“Start-ups and technology developers need an agile regulatory framework to pilot and deploy their products. The Commission will work towards facilitating testing and trials, and towards making the regulatory environment fit for innovation, so as to support the deployment of solutions on the market.”

By combining an ultra-efficient electric motor, magnetic levitation, and a low-drag environment, hyperloop systems can carry more people than a subway, at airline speeds, and with zero direct emissions. The technology could play a key role in helping achieve the Green Deal’s climate-neutrality objective.

In March, the US government decided to establish a regulatory framework for the safe deployment of hyperloop systems. Following this, Virgin Hyperloop unveiled its first Hyperloop Certification Centre in October and completed the first passenger testing in November.

Earlier this year, Spanish hyperloop firm Zeleros announced that it had raised over €7M (£6.2M) to develop its version of hyperloop technology, while Polish company Hyper Poland raised over £436,000 (€500,000) in its UK equity crowdfunding campaign.

Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: “As the backbone that connects European citizens and business, transport matters to us all. We have no time to lose in getting it fit for the future.”

Meanwhile, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson welcomed the “bold and ambitious” strategy.

“I believe Virgin Hyperloop can play a strong role in helping to achieve Europe’s sustainability goals by offering a system that has zero direct emissions and will transform the way people travel across the continent,” he said.

Virgin Hyperloop chief executive Jay Walder added: “The European Commission is paving the way for the future of sustainable mobility. We share a steadfast commitment to exploring innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, and we look forward to continuing to work together to create a hyper-connected Europe.”

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