Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats

At the time of the start of the Olivine Foundation and after our nomination for the Virgin Earth Challenge we made a “SWOT” analysis. Today we believe this analysis still reflects the position of the Foundation very well.

Strengths
  • unique solution
  • ‘proven technology’
  • no complex technology
  • comparative low CO2 emission and low energy requirements
  • a variety of applications
  • no any dangerous byproducts
  • relatively cheap
  • easy upscalable
  • sustainable
  • politically neutral
Weaknesses
  • widespread unfamiliarity with this solution
  • credibility and proof
  • not ‘innovative’ (in the sense that it is a known natural process)
  • doubts about weathering speed
  • measurability
  • utilization to its full extent requires a global approach
  • lack of own means and Calimero effect
  • investors see no returns
Opportunities
  • necessity of a continued use of fossil fuels
  • biomass is not really a ‘carbon sink’
  • negative publicity related to CCS
  • ‘third world aid = carbon credits trade’
  • climate crisis Kyoto/Copenhagen/Paris
  • enthusiastic reactions in public and media
  • nomination for the Virgin Earth Prize
  • national ambitions
  • green lobbies
  • some applications with benefits not depending on too low carbon dioxide rights
Threats
  • large scale of heavily government subsidised CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)
  • conservatism and tunnel vision of public authorities
  • NIH syndrome
  • many followers imitators and competitors
  • alternatives such as biochar (terra preta)
  • air pollution hype, olivine dust
  • unsatisfactory answers to the question ‘why not yet widely used’