Europe’s longest tunnel dedicated to testing hyperloop technology is set to open in the Netherlands, raising hopes for future transportation revolutionizing journeys, potentially slashing travel time from Amsterdam to Barcelona to just a couple of hours.
Situated near Veendam in the northern region of the Netherlands, a sophisticated Y-shaped white tunnel stretching 420 meters (1,380 feet) long, comprised of 34 interlinked pipes approximately 2.5 meters wide, awaits its inaugural trials. The tunnel, at the European Hyperloop Center, has nearly all its air evacuated to minimize air resistance, propelling a vehicle through magnetic propulsion systems, aiming for eventual speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers per hour.
Remarkably, this center boasts a unique feature: a “lane switch,” an auxiliary tunnel diverting from the main track, facilitating experiments involving rapid changes in vehicle direction at high speeds, a crucial element for establishing a comprehensive hyperloop network, as explained by center director Sascha Lamme.
Anticipating an extensive network of hyperloop tunnels spanning 10,000 kilometers across Europe by 2050, Lamme envisions a future where traversing from Amsterdam to cities like Barcelona in just two hours becomes a reality, promising a hassle-free experience akin to air travel but without the associated inconveniences.
The initiative, spearheaded by Dutch firm Hardt Hyperloop, plans initial vehicle trials in the upcoming weeks, with the center welcoming companies involved in various aspects of hyperloop technology development. Despite the progress, Lamme concedes that considerable advancements are necessary before passenger services become viable, aiming for full-scale operations by 2030, potentially commencing with shorter routes, such as connecting airports to nearby cities.
The hyperloop concept gained prominence after Elon Musk proposed it as a revolutionary mode of transportation in 2013, envisaging rapid connections between major cities. While research and testing continue fervently, challenges persist, including questions about passenger comfort and safety. Nonetheless, proponents believe hyperloop’s environmental advantages and efficiency make it a promising prospect for the future of transportation.
