Towards sustainable transportation: The development of hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve the principles of sustainable development goals (SDG) in all aspects of life in accordance with its ambitious vision 2030, especially in the field of sustainable passengers and freight transportation. Hyperloop technology can be considered as an excellent sustainable solution for the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia as a result of the availability of auxiliary ingredients, such renewable energy resources and the necessary infrastructure required enhancing the future mobility technology. Hyperloop can reduce the travel time between Saudi cities at a cost equivalent to ticket prices compatible with forms of mass passenger transportation. Accordingly, the Hyperloop technology can be more efficient in terms of energy consumption through the application of renewable energy resources, which makes this technology very attractive to the Saudi Arabia. The present paper discusses the feasibility of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia in technical and economic perspectives including basic performance and cost analysis. Moreover, the integration of different renewable energy recourses, such as solar and hydrogen energy is also discussed. Three major energy systems were reviewed in depth: electrical energy derived from typical fossil fuels and two renewable energy systems based on solar energy, which can be utilized as a primary source of energy or to produce green hydrogen. The overall estimated cost of the three distinct power supply systems was compared using 2022 prices as a benchmark. In comparison to the electrical system and the solar-hydrogen system, the overall cost of the Hyperloop-hydrogen system is the most expensive power supply system. It is expected that the use of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia will be a motivating factor in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the transportation sector and as a catalyst for high technology through its requirements for artificial intelligence programs and computer-based operational systems. It can also achieve a significant increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing jobs and opportunities for young Saudi men and women in the high-technology sector.