[UAE] UAE hyperloop stalls, but ‘magnetic levitation’ hopes remain

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UAE hyperloop stalls, but ‘magnetic levitation’ hopes remain

The UAE's ambitious plans for a hyperloop transport system have encountered significant challenges, causing delays in its development. The hyperloop, which aims to transport people and goods at speeds exceeding 1,200 km/h in magnetically levitated pods through low-pressure vacuum tubes, has faced commercial setbacks and skepticism regarding its feasibility. While projects are underway in countries like Italy, the Netherlands, and China, the UAE had initially been a frontrunner for early implementation, but no concrete plans have materialized.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, which once aimed to establish a commercial system in Abu Dhabi, is now focused on projects in other countries, and Hyperloop One's initiatives have stalled. The high infrastructure costs, estimated between $20 million and $40 million per kilometer, have been a significant barrier to progress.

In contrast, a new wave of companies is exploring the potential of magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, which allows vehicles to float above tracks, reducing friction and enhancing speed. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have successfully implemented maglev systems, which operate on dedicated tracks.

In the UAE, Etihad Rail has partnered with startups Nevomo and IronLev to investigate how maglev solutions can be integrated with existing rail infrastructure. Nevomo's retrofit system costs about $3.2 million per kilometer, significantly cheaper than new hyperloop tracks. The focus is initially on industrial applications before expanding to passenger transport.

IronLev has also demonstrated its maglev technology on existing tracks without retrofitting, showcasing its potential to reduce infrastructure costs. The collaboration between these companies and Etihad Rail reflects a strategic pivot towards leveraging established technologies to achieve high-speed transport in the region, with pilot projects anticipated within the next two years.


Info based on an article by Neil Halligan, November 3, 2024 https://www.agbi.com/analysis/transport ... es-remain/ Accessed 2024-11-04