Alberta’s high-speed TransPod secures materials partner
The Canadian company working towards building Alberta's ultra-high-speed transit network has secured steel.
TransPod has announced a strategic collaboration with Algoma Steel and Supreme Steel to support the construction of the Edmonton-Calgary Tube Transportation Project Test Track.
The TransPod system, known as the TransPod Line, is being designed for ultra-high-speed ground transportation. Its FluxJet vehicle is electric and intended to exceed speeds of 1,000 km/h, linking major city stations and providing regular departures. The partnership secures necessary materials and manufacturing capabilities to advance the construction of the test track, aiming to significantly alter how people and goods travel within Canada.
The project has been recognised by the Government of Alberta as a Major Project, with the expectation that it will create jobs, attract investment, and enhance the province's long-term economic outlook.
The construction of the TransPod Line between Edmonton and Calgary is anticipated to generate up to 140,000 jobs in Alberta and add approximately CAD $19.2 billion to the province's gross domestic product. When operational, the project aims to offer passenger fares about 44 per cent lower than existing air travel options on the same route, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 636,000 tonnes per year.
As stated by TransPod, the collaboration also reinforces Alberta's position as a centre for productivity and advanced infrastructure development.
"Canadian industry is ready to deliver the future of transportation. Together with Algoma and Supreme Steel, we can generate jobs, strengthen supply chains, and position Alberta as a hub of productivity," said Sebastien Gendron, Co-founder and CEO, TransPod
Steel sector impact
This collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on Canada's steel industry. Long-term demand for Canadian steel will be driven by the project, with a requirement for up to 2 million tonnes expected. It also seeks to reduce Canada's reliance on United States demand and the risks associated with export tariffs, and to build expertise domestically in advanced manufacturing for large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
"By supporting this transformation project, this partnership effectively secures long-term demand in Canada, reduces our reliance on exports, and ensures the strength of our steel sector for decades to come," said Michael Garcia, CEO, Algoma Steel.
Algoma Steel is currently transitioning to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, a move set to reduce the carbon intensity of its production. This change enables Algoma to supply low-carbon intensity steel to the Edmonton-Calgary Tube Transportation Project, in line with Canada's environmental goals. According to the announced framework, Algoma Steel may supply between 1.5 and 2 million tonnes of Canadian steel during the project's construction. Supreme Steel is responsible for manufacturing the precision steel guideways that will support the FluxJet vehicles.
Preliminary work on the Edmonton-Calgary Tube Transportation Project Test Track has already been completed. However, further progress is currently on hold pending the release of Alberta's transportation master plan, expected later this year. TransPod and its collaborating partners have indicated that they are prepared to restart development as soon as the province's updated strategy is published.
The next phases of the Edmonton-Calgary TransPod Line include the acquisition of necessary permits, completion of construction and environmental approvals, as well as land procurement. Subsequent stages will involve further test track development, high-speed system testing, certification, and eventual construction of the full inter-city route before the launch of passenger services.
Image Courtesy of TransPod
