Cement, an essential component of concrete used in construction worldwide due to its strength and affordability, is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a major contributor to climate change. To address this issue, Leah Ellis, a 33-year-old chemist and first-time CEO, and Yet-Ming Chiang, a renowned MIT professor with experience in clean-tech startups, have joined forces to establish Sublime Systems, a company dedicated to developing a sustainable cement-making process.

Ellis describes their solution as the “electric vehicle of cement making.” They aim to replace the conventional fossil fuel-intensive method with an electrochemical approach. While pursuing her doctorate at Dalhousie University, Ellis worked on battery research for Tesla, which sparked her interest in clean technologies.

Rather than opting for a more lucrative job in the battery industry, Ellis secured a prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship that provided her with two years’ salary and the freedom to work with anyone she chose. She decided to collaborate with Chiang, who had founded multiple successful clean-tech companies.

Their idea to use electrochemistry in cement manufacturing came about when Chiang recognized the surplus of intermittent renewable energy generated by sources like wind. Instead of storing this excess energy in batteries, they sought to utilize it for a low-cost, environmentally-friendly alternative to carbon-intensive cement production.

Conventionally, cement powder is created by crushing raw materials such as limestone and clay, mixing them with additives like iron and fly ash, and subjecting the mixture to temperatures up to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. This process generates approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

Chiang assigned Ellis the task of exploring how to produce low-carbon cement, leading her to conduct extensive research and refine their concept. In 2020, they co-founded Sublime Systems to further develop and scale up their innovative electrochemical cement-making process.

Sublime has already secured $50 million in funding from prominent clean-tech investors, including LowerCarbon Capital and The Engine. They have also received support from Siam Cement Group, a leading Asian cement and building materials company, as well as grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’ s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program.

Ellis likens their approach to the transition from combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles. By replacing high-temperature, fossil fuel-dependent reactions with electron-powered electrochemistry, they can drive chemical reactions at ambient temperatures without emitting carbon dioxide.

The cement industry is highly motivated to adopt sustainable practices, particularly in regions like Europe where carbon dioxide emissions incur substantial financial penalties. Investors are drawn to Sublime because it offers fossil-free cement, enabling partners to meet emissions targets and comply with carbon tariffs.

While some cement producers explore carbon capture technologies, Sublime focuses on producing clean cement directly without costly additives. This approach enhances energy efficiency and cost parity over time. Sublime’ s solution aligns with existing infrastructure, making it attractive to partners such as Siam Cement Group.

Sublime recently completed its pilot plant and is now concentrating on delivering its product to partners. Their goal is to undertake their first construction project by the end of the year. The next step involves transitioning from a 100-ton pilot plant to a demonstration plant capable of producing 30,000 tons per year.

Although Ellis acknowledges the challenges associated with her age and being a first-time CEO, she remains committed to making a significant impact on climate change. She draws inspiration from her active lifestyle, which includes running marathons, cycling long distances, and participating in fitness activities that require determination and perseverance.

For Chiang, the urgency of addressing climate change motivates him to continue finding solutions. He believes that this era will be remembered as a renaissance, marked by innovative problem-solving and the reinvention of technologies from the industrial revolution.

Time is of the essence, and both Ellis and Chiang are determined to drive forward sustainable changes in the cement industry.