GE will upgrade two GE Frame 7FA gas turbines at a Progress Energy's power plant in the Smith Energy Complex in North Carolina, US, to improve efficiency and lower emissions.

The gas turbines at the plant have been operating on natural gas since 2002.

GE will enhance compressor and combustion system as well as the company’s new Advanced Gas Path to improve the site’s output by 16MW and fuel efficiency by about 1%.

the company also will install an Enhanced Transient Stability application at the Smith Energy Complex.

The 7FA fleet accounts for 15% of North America’s installed electrical capacity.

GE Energy Power Generation Services Americas group general manager James Kaveney said the project has been a close collaboration between Progress Energy and GE to identify a solution that will deliver higher levels of performance to the Richmond County site without sacrificing operational flexibility or reliability.

The enhancement project is scheduled to be completed by October 2012.