The US’ GE has completed the upgrade of the Banha power plant in the Qalyubia governorate in Egypt.

The expansion will increase the output of the 750MW facility by up to 7 per cent during peak periods.

The combined-cycle plant began commercial operations in January 2014, and is powered with two GE 9FA gas turbines and one steam turbine. The 750MW of power can provide electricity for more than 700,000 homes.

GE signed a five-year contractual service agreement (CSA) in 2015 with the owner of the plant, Middle Delta Electricity Production Company, for the Banha facility.

In 2015, the US firm installed 2.7GW of turbines under Egypt’s $2.5bn fast-track programme to boost the country’s generating capacity for the peak summer period.