Sublime Systems, a developer of sustainable alternatives to traditional cement, has secured a new site for establishing its first commercial low-carbon cement manufacturing facility.  

The site, spanning 16 acres, is located on Water Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts, US. 

The chosen location is said to be historically significant, having previously hosted paper mills. It is now set to become a hub for Sublime's fully electrified cement manufacturing process, powered by the city's hydroelectric resources. 

The decision to establish this facility is the result of a collaborative effort between Holyoke mayor Joshua A Garcia, the Office of Planning and Economic Development led by director Aaron Vega, Holyoke's City Council, and the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts. 

Sublime’s site selection was guided by various criteria such as proximity to its headquarters, the city’s renewable energy infrastructure, access to staff, and demographic indicators.  

The company also considered the national Justice40 initiative, a policy that aims to support disadvantaged communities, recognising the potential for both local and global environmental benefits. 

The Holyoke facility is expected to begin operations by 2026, with the capacity to produce tens of thousands of tons of Sublime Cement annually.  

This product is created using a 'true zero' approach, eliminating the use of fossil fuels and the decomposition of limestone, both of which are the primary sources of emissions in traditional cement production. 

Sublime CEO and co-founder Leah Ellis said: “The same qualities that made Holyoke a world-class industrial hub in the past perfectly position it to now be the home for clean tech manufacturing of the future.

"The Water Street site exemplifies that in its ample space, industrial zoning, access to renewable hydroelectricity, utilities, and even rail.” 

The company further plans to construct an even larger plant with a capacity of one million tons per year, matching the size of conventional cement plants.  

The establishment of the commercial plant is expected to generate numerous high-quality jobs with benefits.