Part of the Egyptian Power Boost Program, the project will increase combined capacity of the power plants to 2,250MW from the current 1,500MW.
The steam turbines will use the waste heat generated from the gas turbines to generate an additional 750 MW.
Egypt Electricity Minister Dr. Mohammed Shaker said: "The shift from single-cycle to combined-cycle operation at the West Damietta and Assiut Power Plants is a key part of our strategy to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen generation capacity.
"Both power plants already help meet peak summer demand as part of our Power Boost Program and now the planned upgrade will help enable the power plants to be even more efficient, sustainable and productive."
The West Damietta facility features four GE 9E gas turbines while the Assiut plant comprises eight 9E turbines.
GE Power Generation Products Middle East and North Africa president and CEO Mohammed Mohaisen said: "The enhancement of the West Damietta and Assiut Power Plants underlines the focus of the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity to implement energy efficiency measures that add to the power capacity and help meet growing demand for power for household and industrial use.
"We are committed to supporting the Ministry in fulfilling the Egypt Power Boost Program through such advanced technologies and by drawing on our proven expertise."
GE is currently developing multimodal manufacturing, engineering, services and training center in Egypt with an investment of $200m. The center will serve various industries, including power generation, renewables, water, oil and gas, aviation and rail transportation.
