Frequently Asked Questions — Hub-Only Pipeline Topology (HOPT)

1. What is HOPT?

HOPT (Hub-Only Pipeline Topology) is an India-born carbon infrastructure framework that eliminates the need for long and complex CO₂ pipelines. Instead of connecting every emitter to distant storage sites, HOPT uses regional hubs where carbon dioxide is released from solid carriers. Carbon Dioxide is released only at the hubs, and not from the emitting sites.

Emitters capture CO₂ in solid form and transport these solids via truck or rail to the nearest hub — just like any other industrial commodity. 

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As CO2 is emitted only at the hubs (and not at the emitting sites), the HOPT connects only hubs relieving the emitters from CO2 transportation pipeline network.

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2. Why does India need a different model for carbon capture and storage (CCUS)?

The Western CCUS model assumes:

• Few, very large emitters;

• Vast, sparsely populated land for pipelines; and

• Simple gas transport logistics.

India is the opposite: thousands of medium emitters, high population density, and complex land access.
Building 30,000 km of high-pressure CO₂ pipelines across India is impractical, expensive, and risky. HOPT offers a model tailored for Indian geography, economy, and industry.

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3. How does HOPT work in simple terms?

1. Capture – Each emitter captures CO₂ using calcium looping or other solid sorbent systems (like HySORB™).

2. Solid Transport – The captured CO₂ forms a stable, non-pressurized solid that can be shipped safely by truck or rail.

3. Hub Regeneration – At regional hubs, the solids are thermally regenerated to release pure CO₂ gas for compression, utilization, or storage.

4. Return Loop – The regenerated sorbent returns to emitters for reuse.

Only hubs handle gas. Emitters deal with solids — simple, safe, and modular.

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4. What are the main advantages of HOPT?

• 🚫 No long pipelines: Eliminates 60% of CO₂ pipeline length.

• ⚙️ Lower compression demand: ~96% reduction in compressor stations.

• 💰 Huge cost savings: Estimated ₹12–15 lakh crore saved in infrastructure lifecycle cost.

• 🧱 Modular & scalable: Works for clusters of emitters; no single-point failure.

• 🚛 Leverages existing logistics: Uses rail and road freight systems already in place.

• 🇮🇳 Atmanirbhar: Fully compatible with India’s manufacturing and materials ecosystem.

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5. How many hubs would India need?

India would need approximately 150 regional hubs to cover all major emission clusters — each serving 20–50 emitters within a 200–250 km radius.
These hubs can be co-located with industrial parks, refineries, or ports.

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6. Is this just a concept, or is it proven technology?

HOPT is a framework — it combines existing, proven technologies:

• Calcium looping and other solid-sorbent capture systems,

• Rail and truck transport,

• Hub-based CO₂ compression and utilization.

All components exist and have been demonstrated separately.
HOPT’s innovation is the topology — how these pieces connect into a national system.

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8. Does HOPT require new laws or policies?

No. It fits within existing industrial logistics, waste transport, and carbon accounting frameworks. However, policy support (e.g., carbon credit eligibility, FGD retrofits, or hub incentives) can accelerate large-scale adoption.

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9. How does HOPT align with India’s national goals?

HOPT directly supports:

• Mission LiFE — sustainable resource use and circular economy.

• Atmanirbhar Bharat — indigenous industrial innovation.

• India’s 2070 Net Zero commitment — by enabling affordable CCUS for thousands of emitters.

• PSU decarbonization mandates — allows public sector plants to capture and account for CO₂ without new pipeline infrastructure.

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10. Who developed HOPT?

HOPT, Gen4CC, and the HySORB™ dual-capture process were developed by Novonanmek Material Sciences Pvt. Ltd., an Indian company founded by Arnab Sinha.
The system is patent-filed and proprietary, but designed for national-scale adoption and potential open licensing under India’s CCUS mission.

 

11. How can industries participate?

Industries can:

• Submit a non-binding Expression of Interest (EOI) to join a regional HOPT cluster.

• Collaborate in pilot-scale evaluations at select hubs.

• Partner for MRV-ready carbon credit integration.

👉 Submit EOI here (link to your EOI page)

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12. Who is HOPT meant for?

• Power plants (coal & gas)

• Cement, steel, fertilizer, and refinery units

• Industrial clusters & SEZs

• Technology providers and logistics companies

• Research institutions and policy agencies

Basically, any entity that captures, emits, or manages CO₂.

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13. Can the HOPT model be applied globally?

Yes. While designed for India, HOPT’s hub-based structure is suitable for other developing economies with dense emission patterns — such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, and South Africa.

It’s a Global South blueprint for carbon infrastructure.

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14. How is HOPT funded or commercialized?

HOPT can be implemented via:

• Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) for hub infrastructure,

• Carbon-credit financed clusters,

• PSU-led consortiums, or

• Technology-licensing to existing CCUS integrators.

It doesn’t depend on a single funding source — the model is modular.

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15. What is the next step for HOPT?

Novonanmek is inviting industry, PSU, and research partners to form the first HOPT cluster in 2026.
If you’re interested, please fill out the EOI form or contact:
📧 info@novonanmek.com
🌐 www.novonanmek.com

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16. Where can I learn more?

• The Reading section

• Media articles and updates — on LinkedIn and Medium

• Contact us — for presentations or collaboration proposals