Between 1995 and 2001, more than 200 gigawatts, of mostly F-class gas turbine combined cycle power production, was initiated in the United States alone. This phenomenon was driven primarily by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and their merchant market strategy for selling power.

The first stage nozzle is proving to be an integral factor in controlling the costs associated with refurbishing and repairing F-class hot gas path parts during routine maintenance. Qualified repair companies and power plant owners regularly must assess the cost-benefit scenario of scrapping or repairing these critical parts. The repair method used for first stage nozzle trailing edges is particularly important because of material erosion caused by thermal fatigue, oxidation and foreign object damage.