# How GEA Group turns Europe's energy crisis into profit

> German engineering firm GEA is redesigning industrial machinery to slash energy use, proving sustainability can drive growth amid rising costs.
- Title: How GEA Group turns Europe's energy crisis into profit
- Summary: German engineering firm GEA is redesigning industrial machinery to slash energy use, proving sustainability can drive growth amid rising costs. Redesigning…
- Keywords: gea group, stefan klebert, solar foods, solein, energy crisis, europe, germany, finland, sustainability, industrial machinery, net zero, arla
- Source: Fortune — https://fortune.com/2026/09/16/an-energy-crisis-looms-for-europe-industrial-giants-for-gea-group-its-an-opportunity
- Author: Kirsty McGregor
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gea group, stefan klebert, solar foods, solein, energy crisis, europe, germany, finland, sustainability, industrial machinery, net zero, arla
## Protein powder from CO2
Solar Foods in Finland converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into Solein, a protein powder with dramatically lower emissions than conventional protein.
## GEA backs radical food tech
German engineering company GEA Group invested €8 million in Solar Foods this year, taking a 5.5% stake as its strategic partner.

> I strongly believe that it is necessary to do something to save this planet
## Redesigning machines to save energy
GEA is redesigning the machinery it makes for food, drinks and pharmaceuticals to be significantly less energy intensive. It's targeting net zero by 2040.

> We are in climate change, nobody, I think, can ignore this anymore. We can do better
## European firms retreat on climate
Two in five European companies are reassessing climate ambitions due to performance pressure. Over half say sustainability initiatives would be first to go if cuts are needed.
## Sustainability drives GEA's growth
GEA's revenue grew 5.7% to €2.7 billion in the first half of 2026. Its EBITDA rose 10% with a 16.8% margin, proving sustainability can be profitable.
## Engineers target radical cuts
GEA's CEO told engineers to stop chasing 15% more output. Instead, produce the same thing with 30% to 40% less energy, water, or other resources.

> We want to do the same thing, but with 30% to 40% less energy, less water, or any other resources
## Milk dryer cuts energy in half
GEA developed a heat pump combined with a spray dryer that let Arla produce the same milk output while cutting energy consumption by over half.
## Energy crisis becomes opportunity
As European companies struggle with high energy costs this winter, GEA's focus on energy-saving technology is becoming a major competitive advantage.

> No company, I'm quite convinced, will go out of the market because of the decision to do something good for the planet
## Key takeaway

Redesigning products for dramatic energy savings can turn sustainability from a cost center into a competitive advantage during an energy crisis.