THE boss of one of Worcester’s largest companies has joined a round-table discussion with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on climate change. Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch said action must be taken now if the country is to meet its climate change targets.

He spoke out after he was invited to take part in the discussion about the government’s plans for the so-called “Green Industrial Revolution.”

The virtual meeting saw the PM meet with 20 business leaders from around the UK to debate the plans, which were set out by Mr Johnson earlier this year. These include an investment of £500 million into hydrogen to make for a cleaner fuel source. This is because the only by-products from hydrogen plants are water vapour and warm air.

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Mr Arntzen said: “We at Bosch welcome the new “green industrial revolution” that has been set out by the Prime Minister. The UK is leading the world in its drive towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we look forward to working with the Government to help turn admirable ambition into accelerated action. Although 2050 may seem a long way off, action needs to be taken now to ensure that we can reach it.

“The 10 steps set out by the Prime Minister are bold and we are delighted to see that hydrogen will play a key role in delivering them.

“The investment of £500 million in Hydrogen is a positive start and can help to reduce carbon emissions significantly - particularly in the way that we heat our homes, power our transport (especially heavy transport) and meet the challenges of increasing electricity demand through decentralised power supply.

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“With the foundation of solid Government backing, hydrogen will be a ready-to-go solution in the near future and therefore making a strong impact in the fight against climate change. It demonstrates the role that technology can and should play in finding practical solutions to the challenges that we face.”

The Green Industrial Revolution plan, announced by the government on November 17, has 10 key areas. These are: offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear, electric vehicles, public transport and walking, Jet Zero and greener maritime, homes and public buildings, carbon capture, nature and innovation and finance.

Mr Johnson said: “The UK Government has decided to become the world leader in low cost clean power generation – cheaper than coal and gas – and we believe that in 10 years’ time offshore wind will be powering every home in the country.