CRH, Holcim bring $75M combined to Sublime Systems partnerships

Sources: Sublime Systems, Somerville, Mass.; CP staff

Sublime Systems, developer of an electrochemical process netting ASTM C1157-grade binder at markedly reduced carbon dioxide emissions levels versus portland cement, is teaming with CRH Plc and Holcim Ltd. to advance a premier Sublime Cement facility in Holyoke, Mass. The global cement, aggregate and concrete producers’ $75 million Sublime Systems investment anchors a requisite financial commitment to the facility, which is eligible for a funding match up to $86.9 million under a Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations opportunity announced earlier this year.

Holyoke plant stakeholders envision 30,000 tons’ annual capacity and production start as early as 2026. Initial output tonnages will be available to the CRH/Ash Grove Cement, Holcim US and Lafarge Canada businesses. Along with the forward powder purchases, dubbed “binding cement reservations,” CRH and Holcim will individually collaborate with their new partner to develop Sublime Cement production lines in multiple geographies, all targeting “true zero” emissions operation.

“Sublime Systems is a disruptive force in cement. Its unique technology cuts across the entire production process, from the use of clean electricity to carbon-free raw materials,” says Holcim Ltd. Chief Sustainability Officer Nollaig Forrest. “This investment is fully in line with our strategy to accelerate the decarbonization of construction by scaling up the most innovative technologies.”

The partnership demonstrates a CRH commitment to “supporting breakthrough technologies and driving innovative low-carbon solutions for the built environment. Sublime’s differentiated technology and ability to scale, combined with our expertise and footprint across North America and Europe, offers significant potential to dramatically decarbonize cement production,” adds CRH Ventures Head Eduardo Gomez.

“Our breakthrough technology must be paired with manufacturing operations, logistics, and distribution—areas [where] building materials leaders excel,” concludes Sublime Systems Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Leah Ellis. “Holcim and CRH each bring unique strategic advantages and expertise in the industry, and these partnerships offer an unparalleled opportunity to scale our technology.”