Brussels, 15/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The EIB (European Investment Bank) and the STEG (Société tunisienne de l'électricité et du gaz) signed a loan agreement in Tunis on Friday 15 October for the sum of €185 million for the setting up of 660 km of high voltage lines. According to the EIB, this is the first instalment of strengthened support in favour of STEG. Investment in electricity transmission (the total cost of the project being €370.40 million) is part of a priority programme of the Tunisian government aimed at strengthening its electricity grid and also to improve management of the grid. According to the bank, it will make it possible to meet the growing demand for electricity, improve reliability and electricity provision and connect and exploit traditional and renewable energy resources in the best possible way. (F.B./transl.jl)