Virgin Hyperloop unveils West Virginia as location for Hyperloop Certification Center

Virgin Hyperloop has unveiled that West Virginia will be home to the Hyperloop Certification Center (HCC).  

After years of testing and developing hyperloop technology at its full-scale test site, the HCC will pave the way for the certification of hyperloop systems in the US and around the world – the first step towards commercial projects. 

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

“Today is one of the most exciting days in Virgin Hyperloop’s history,” said Richard Branson. “The Hyperloop Certification Center is the start of the hyperloop journey for West Virginia, for the United States, and for the world. We’re one step closer to making hyperloop travel a reality for people everywhere.”  

Beyond progressing hyperloop on the regulatory and commercial fronts, the HCC will also create an entirely new ecosystem, creating thousands of new jobs across construction, manufacturing, operations, and high-tech sectors.  

“West Virginia is at a pivotal moment in time and I believe Virgin Hyperloop has made an extremely strong choice for the location of the new HCC,” said native West Virginian John Chambers, former Executive Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems and current founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures. “West Virginia was once the coal and chemical capital of the world, but it failed to disrupt itself and was left behind. Today, every company, country, and state needs to have a digital mindset. West Virginia’s renewed focus on innovation to drive inclusive job creation and economic growth will be elevated and brought to life with the development of the HCC. I personally could not be more honoured and excited to work with Virgin Hyperloop to bring this transformative technology to the masses.”  

The HCC has received bicameral and bipartisan support at all levels of the government, at the local, state, and federal level, including from Governor Jim Justice, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representative Carol Miller (R-WV), Representative Alex Mooney (R-WV), and Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV).  

This historic announcement not only provides a pathway for hyperloop regulation and deployment in the US, but also establishes hyperloop’s eligibility for federal funding for projects. This federal momentum, combined with the advancements at the HCC, will pave the way for the certification of hyperloop systems in the US and around the world – the first step towards commercial projects.  

Image from Virgin Hyperloop

“Particularly as we look to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear that we need a 21st century solution that will propel us forward, allowing us to not just rebuild, but actually evolve.” said Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop. “Hyperloop is that solution, and we look forward to working with our partners across the country – in places like West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Missouri, Washington, and North Carolina – to connect the country from coast to coast.”  

Virgin Hyperloop aims to achieve safety certification by 2025, with commercial operations beginning in 2030. Head over to Virgin Hyperloop to find out more.