The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced that it is providing a EUR 150 million loan to the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) for the construction of a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power station to the north of Cairo. Expected to commence commercial operation in 2005, the 650mw plant will use combined-cycle gas turbine technology, but can also use distillate fuel as emergency back-up. The Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) will supply domestic natural gas. EEHC is responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of energy throughout Egypt. Incorporated in 2000 as a private company wholly owned by the Egyptian state, EEHC owns and operates a unified power system interconnected with Libya and Jordan.