Virgin Hyperloop One to build test facility in Spain

Virgin Hyperloop One has reached an agreement with the Spanish government to set up a testing facility in the country. The $500 million facility for developing and testing hyperloop systems should be open by 2020.

The facility is 19,000 square meters and will be located in the Spanish province of Malaga, near the village of Bobadilla. The US company wants to make the facility in Spain its European base and says the location will help deliver the first projects.

In return for building the facility, Virgin Hyperloop One will receive up to EUR 126 million in loans and grants from the Spanish government. Virgin Hyperloop One expects to employ 200 to 300 technicians and the arrival of the facility should bring more business to the region by establishing an ecosystem of partners and suppliers.

Virgin Hyperloop One is one of the commercial companies working on a hyperloop. It already has a test track in its home country of America and there are plans to build a pipe system in India. Initially, this will be a ‘demonstration process’. A feasibility study is currently being conducted. In addition, a route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is being developed.