GE Frame 7EA / 7E.03 Gas Turbines
60 Hz E-class heavy-duty gas turbine: 90 MW at 33.8% for GE Vernova's 7E.03, 91 MW for Baker Hughes' Frame 7/1EA, 4 ppm DLN1+.
This model is part of SecondWatt’s gas turbine research catalogue. Specifications and price observations are included where supported by sources. Equipment availability and commercial terms require confirmation.
GE Frame 7EA gas turbine: GE Vernova 7E.03 at 90 MW and 33.8%, Baker Hughes Frame 7/1EA at 91 MW and 4 ppm NOx, combined-cycle ratings and inspections.
The Frame 7EA (MS7001EA) is GE's 60 Hz E-class heavy-duty gas turbine, a single-shaft machine driving its generator directly at 3,600 rpm with no load gearbox. Two companies build it today. GE Vernova sells the 7E.03, rated 90 MW net at 33.8% LHV (10,107 Btu/kWh) in simple cycle, 140 MW at 52.4% in 1x1 combined cycle and 283 MW at 52.9% in 2x1, at ISO conditions on natural gas. Baker Hughes builds the Frame 7/1EA, rated 91 MW at 33.9% with 4 ppm NOx on its DLN1+ combustion system.
Per Baker Hughes, the machine has a 17-stage axial compressor at a 13:1 pressure ratio, ten reverse-flow combustion chambers offered with standard, DLN1+ or DLN1+ ultra-low-NOx systems, and three turbine stages with air-cooled first- and second-stage nozzles and buckets. It burns natural gas, LNG, distillate, treated residual and crude oil; GE Vernova cites tri-fuel capability with fuel switching while running and up to 100% hydrogen capability.
Baker Hughes cites its 7/1EA in LNG mechanical drive at Yamal LNG at -50 C and in a Saudi power plant on crude oil, and states nearly 1,000 units worldwide on its 7/1EA page. The 7EA is a smaller class than GE's 7F and 7HA frames and is distinct from the 50 Hz 9E.
Why it matters
The 7EA is a 90 MW-class 60 Hz frame with direct drive, single-digit NOx on DLN1+, wide fuel capability including crude oil, and two current manufacturers plus a large installed base. Assessment: its 33.8-33.9% simple-cycle efficiency trails aeroderivatives and newer frames, so its case rests on availability, fuel flexibility, combined-cycle use and the depth of its service market.
Who buys it
Utilities and independent power producers running 60 Hz peaking, intermediate and combined-cycle plants, industrial and petrochemical sites using it for combined heat and power, LNG developers using the Baker Hughes 7/1EA as a compressor driver, and buyers of used E-class units for relocation or spares.
Role in the data center
Assessment: a 90 MW block for large campuses, usually in combined cycle where 140 MW 1x1 or 283 MW 2x1 blocks reach about 52-53% per GE Vernova; two to three simple-cycle units cover a 150-300 MW phase with limited N+1 granularity. GE Vernova cites a 35-minute hot start for its 7E.03 combined-cycle plants.
Key specifications
| Simple-cycle net output, 7E.03 (GE Vernova) | 90 MW |
|---|---|
| Simple-cycle net heat rate, 7E.03, LHV (GE Vernova) | 10,107 / 10,664 Btu/kWh / kJ/kWh |
| Simple-cycle net efficiency, 7E.03, LHV (GE Vernova) | 33.8 % |
| 1x1 combined-cycle net output / efficiency, 7E.03 (GE Vernova) | 140 / 52.4 MW / % |
| 1x1 combined-cycle turndown / ramp / hot start (GE Vernova) | 45 / 40 / 35 % minimum load / MW/min / minutes |
| 2x1 combined-cycle net output / efficiency, 7E.03 (GE Vernova) | 283 / 52.9 MW / % |
| 2x1 combined-cycle turndown / ramp / hot start (GE Vernova) | 22 / 80 / 35 % minimum load / MW/min / minutes |
| Hydrogen capability, 7E (GE Vernova) | up to 100 % |
| Output, Frame 7/1EA, DLN, ISO (Baker Hughes) | 91 MW |
| Efficiency, Frame 7/1EA (Baker Hughes) | 33.9 % |
| NOx, DLN1+ (Baker Hughes) | 4 ppm |
| Exhaust temperature (Baker Hughes) | 552 C |
| Shaft speed, direct drive | 3600 rpm |
| Compressor stages / pressure ratio (Baker Hughes) | 17 / 13:1 stages / ratio |
| Turbine stages; air-cooled first and second stage (Baker Hughes) | 3 stages |
| Combustion chambers, reverse flow; STD, DLN1+ or DLN1+ ULN (Baker Hughes) | 10 chambers |
| Hot-gas-path inspection (Baker Hughes) | 32000 hours |
| Major inspection (Baker Hughes) | 64000 hours |
| Mean time between maintenance (Baker Hughes) | 32000 factored fired hours |
| Gas-turbine skid, L x W x H / weight (Baker Hughes) | 11.6 x 3.6 x 4.4 m / 134,000 kg m / kg |
| Auxiliary skid, L x W x H / weight (Baker Hughes) | 8.4 x 3.6 x 3.6 m / 38,000 kg m / kg |
| Units worldwide (Baker Hughes Frame 7/1EA page) | nearly 1,000 units |
Technical summary
GE Vernova rates the 7E.03 at 90 MW net, 10,107 Btu/kWh (10,664 kJ/kWh) and 33.8% LHV in simple cycle, net plant at ISO on natural gas; 140 MW and 52.4% in 1x1 combined cycle with a 40 MW/min ramp, 45% minimum load and a 35-minute hot start; and 283 MW and 52.9% in 2x1. Baker Hughes rates the Frame 7/1EA at 91 MW and 33.9% with 4 ppm NOx, 552 C exhaust and 3,600 rpm direct drive; the 17-stage compressor runs at a 13:1 pressure ratio and the turbine has three stages. Baker Hughes gives hot-gas-path and major inspections at 32,000 and 64,000 hours and a gas-turbine skid of 11.6 x 3.6 x 4.4 m and 134,000 kg.
Major variations
Current production comes as the GE Vernova 7E.03 (90 MW net) and the Baker Hughes Frame 7/1EA (91 MW). Combustion options in Baker Hughes' listing are standard, DLN1+ and DLN1+ ultra-low-NOx. The installed fleet includes older 7EA units with earlier combustors and controls, some of them upgraded since installation; the nameplate, combustor designation and upgrade history identify an offered unit. The 7EA is distinct from GE's 7F (7F.04, 7F.05) and 7HA classes and from the 50 Hz Frame 9E.
Configurations and options
Plants are built in simple cycle, 1x1 or 2x1 combined cycle, or as combined heat and power. Options that change price or lead time are the combustion system (standard, DLN1+ or ultra-low-NOx), single, dual or tri-fuel systems, the hydrogen fuel case, and for mechanical drive the compressor and helper-motor skid. Baker Hughes' typical package is a gas-turbine skid, an auxiliary skid and a driven-equipment skid.
Compatibility and dependencies
Direct drive at 3,600 rpm means the 7EA serves 60 Hz grids without a gearbox. Fuel systems must match the intended gas, distillate, residual or crude-oil supply. The gas-turbine skid weighs 134,000 kg, which sets crane and transport requirements, and combined-cycle plants need a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine. A used unit's controls and combustor generation determine emissions and upgrade scope.
Planning price band
Modelled planning estimate: $0.15M–$0.66M/MW · $150–$660/kW · $13.5M–$59.4M per unit (7E.03 (simple cycle), 90 MW; Used or refurbished, serviceable; very low confidence; gt-planning-v3, as of 2026-11-03). Not a quote or an observed sale price. Gas turbine generator-set package. Included auxiliaries, controls, emissions equipment (SCR), warranty and delivery terms vary by unit and are subject to confirmation. Not a project budget: BOP, installation and financing sit outside this band.
Mature E-class frame with a large used fleet; frame and age discount.
What drives the price
New versus used; manufacturer and model (7E.03, 7/1EA or older 7EA); combustor generation and emissions capability; fuel systems; fired hours, starts and rotor life consumed; controls generation; simple-cycle or combined-cycle scope; dismantling, transport and installation scope.
Lifecycle and maintenance
Baker Hughes rates its Frame 7/1EA at 32,000 hours to hot-gas-path inspection and 64,000 hours to major inspection, with a mean time between maintenance of 32,000 factored fired hours. GE Vernova's 7E fact sheet does not state inspection intervals as of October 2026. A large 7EA installed base supports OEM and independent repair and parts supply.
Thermal and emissions profile
Baker Hughes rates its Frame 7/1EA at 4 ppm NOx with the DLN1+ system and describes single-digit NOx capability; standard combustors on older units emit more and may use water or steam injection. GE Vernova cites up to 100% hydrogen capability for the 7E, and Baker Hughes up to 100% hydrogen with the standard combustor.
Common failure points
- Combustion liners, transition pieces and fuel nozzles — Cracking, wear or combustion dynamics
- First- and second-stage nozzles and buckets — Coating loss, oxidation, cracking or creep
- Rotor — Life consumed against OEM limits on older units
- Compressor — Fouling, erosion or blade damage
- Generator — Insulation ageing
- Controls — Obsolete control hardware on older units
7E.03, Frame 7/1EA and older 7EA units
- GE Vernova's 7E.03 (90 MW net) and Baker Hughes' Frame 7/1EA (91 MW) are current builds of the MS7001EA design, rated on different boundaries. Older 7EA units differ in combustor, controls and upgrades; identify the manufacturer, model and upgrade history from records.
- The 7EA is a 60 Hz machine in direct drive; for 50 Hz the comparable machine is the Frame 9E.
Combined cycle and flexibility
- GE Vernova rates 7E.03 combined-cycle plants at 140 MW and 52.4% (1x1) and 283 MW and 52.9% (2x1), with a 35-minute hot start and turndown to 45% (1x1) or 22% (2x1) minimum load.
Emissions and permits
- Baker Hughes rates DLN1+ at 4 ppm NOx. A new US installation falls in the large band of NSPS Subpart KKKKa: 5 ppm with SCR at high utilization and, below 38% HHV design efficiency, 9 ppm at low utilization. Older units stay under Subpart GG or KKKK by construction date.
Compare offers on
- Equipment identity — Manufacturer and model (MS7001EA, 7E.03 or Frame 7/1EA), serial numbers, build year and upgrade history.
- Condition — Fired hours and starts, combustion, hot-gas-path and major inspection reports, rotor life consumed.
- Combustion and fuel — Combustor generation and NOx guarantee, fuel systems (gas, distillate, crude) and hydrogen case.
- Included scope — Turbine, generator, controls, auxiliaries, inlet and exhaust systems, enclosure, transformers and spares.
- Commercial basis — Currency, per-unit or lot price, quotation date, validity, location and delivery responsibilities.
- Costs outside the offer — Dismantling, transport, foundations, heat recovery, interconnection, permits and commissioning.
Seller checklist
- Nameplate photographs for turbine, gearbox and generator with model, build standard and serial numbers
- Operating hours, fired starts and trip history
- Hot-gas-path and major inspection reports with dates and findings
- Borescope reports and images
- Combustor configuration, fuel-system scope and any emissions test data
- Controls platform, software licences and drawings
- Generator test results and gearbox inspection records
- Service agreement status and transferability
- Preservation and storage records for stored units
- Included and excluded scope list with spares inventory
What sets the value
Value rests on records: nameplates and serial numbers, fired hours and starts, combustion, hot-gas-path and major inspection reports, rotor life records, combustor and fuel-system configuration with emissions tests, generator tests, and controls upgrade history.
How much power does a Frame 7EA produce?
GE Vernova rates its current 7E.03 at 90 MW net in simple cycle at ISO conditions, and Baker Hughes rates its Frame 7/1EA at 91 MW. GE Vernova rates 1x1 combined cycle at 140 MW and 2x1 at 283 MW.
Can a 7EA run on hydrogen or liquid fuel?
GE Vernova cites up to 100% hydrogen capability and tri-fuel capability with fuel switching while running for the 7E. Baker Hughes lists natural gas, LNG, distillate, treated residual and crude oil, and up to 100% hydrogen with the standard combustor.
What are the 7EA inspection intervals?
Baker Hughes rates its Frame 7/1EA at 32,000 hours to hot-gas-path inspection and 64,000 hours to major inspection, with a mean time between maintenance of 32,000 factored fired hours.
Is a 7EA the same as a 7F?
No. The 7EA is an E-class machine of about 90 MW; GE Vernova's 7F.05 is rated 239 MW net in simple cycle at 60 Hz.
Inspection checklist
Confirm the model (MS7001EA, 7E.03 or Frame 7/1EA), serial numbers, build year and manufacturer from the nameplates. Obtain fired hours, fired starts and trip history. Review combustion, hot-gas-path and major inspection reports and rotor life records. Identify the combustor (standard, DLN1, DLN1+ or ultra-low-NOx) and fuel systems. Check generator tests, vibration trends, controls platform and upgrade history. Agree acceptance criteria before payment.
Procurement channels
New units come from GE Vernova (7E.03) and Baker Hughes (Frame 7/1EA, cited for LNG and power projects). Assessment: used 7EA units trade on the secondary market as utilities retire or repower plants, through equipment dealers, brokers and auctions; confirm the manufacturer, combustor and upgrade history of any offered unit.
Regional notes
The 7EA is a 60 Hz machine in direct drive; the 50 Hz counterpart is the Frame 9E. Baker Hughes cites operation down to -50 C at Yamal LNG. In the United States new units fall in the large band (above 850 MMBtu/h) of NSPS Subpart KKKKa (about 910 MMBtu/h LHV for the 7E.03, calculated), and older units remain under Subpart GG or KKKK by construction date.
Content owner: Gary Martin, SecondWatt