GEA has released the E-Bake G2, an electric-only tunnel oven that the company claims reduces energy consumption by up to 40% compared to gas-fired predecessors. The move reflects growing industry pressure to electrify baking operations amid rising energy costs and sustainability mandates.

Technical Specifications

The second-generation system features individually controlled baking zones and a redesigned chamber with reduced internal volume. Key changes include repositioned heating elements, micro-convection airflow systems, and minimized thermal bridging. The modular design offers five heat transfer configurations, from radiant electric (RE) to hybrid combinations.

Installation time is reportedly reduced by 70% through pre-assembled modules with integrated electrical cabinets. The structural redesign uses 64% less iron while maintaining operational capacity.

Market Dynamics

Electric baking adoption faces significant hurdles. Energy tariffs for industrial electric consumption often exceed gas costs, particularly in European markets. Infrastructure upgrades required for high-capacity electric systems represent substantial capital investments for existing facilities.

GEA's Product Manager Marco Girimondo acknowledged these challenges:

"Our Voice of the Customer research highlighted growing interest in sustainable baking solutions, particularly electric baking. However, customers face high operational costs due to energy tariffs and capital costs for plant infrastructure upgrades."

According to Girimondo the E-Bake G2 attempts to address these concerns by

"significantly lowering energy consumption and reducing both installed power and total cost of ownership compared to conventional electric ovens,"

Industry Context

The push toward electric baking intensifies as manufacturers face stricter emissions regulations. However, the transition timeline remains uncertain given current energy price disparities and grid capacity constraints in some regions.

GEA's bakery division, formed through the 2016 integration of Comas and Imaforni, competes in a market where gas systems still dominate due to established infrastructure and operational familiarity.

Technical Questions

While the claimed 40% energy reduction appears significant, real-world performance will depend heavily on local electricity rates, facility integration costs, and production scheduling to optimize off-peak energy usage. The modular approach may help manufacturers phase installations rather than requiring complete line replacements.

The E-Bake G2 represents one manufacturer's approach to electric transition, but broader industry adoption will ultimately depend on energy policy, grid capacity, and economic factors beyond equipment efficiency alone.