Petra Solar, a provider of grid-tied, pole-mounted, distributed solar generation systems and smart grid backbone for utilities, announced the launch of a research and development center in Amman, Jordan.

The opening of a new R&D center in the Middle East is in line with the company's international expansion plans, according to company officials.

The new R&D center will allow Petra Solar to offer regional technology expertise to meet the needs of its partners in the Middle East.

The launch of the new R&D center in Jordan demonstrates Petra Solar’s commitment for developing the solar and smart grid markets in new regions. Petra Solar is partnering with key Middle Eastern companies on solar and Smart Grid initiatives and is developing research agreements with leading regional institutions.

The research center in Jordan is the result of a meeting last year between Petra Solar’s founder, president and CEO, Shihab Kuran, and His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan. This collaborative effort with the Jordanian government will promote local economic development and create green jobs in Jordan.

“The growing global demand for sustainable energy and jobs provides a tremendous opportunity for Petra Solar throughout the Middle East and the world,” Kuran in a statement. “Jordan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the Middle East. Tapping into the region’s research and development talent will facilitate the international expansion of our products and will take our utility based solutions to a higher level.”

Petra Solar employs engineers and scientists including talent from the Middle East who are valuable contributors to product development and advanced research efforts. The company is also engaged with many countries around the globe and is helping them achieve their goal of an energy independent future.

“Our cooperation with Petra Solar represents our commitment to the alternative energy sector and our confidence in Petra Solar’s ability to tap into Jordan’s human capital and help create a solar industry in the country,” said Marwan Juma (News - Alert), minister of Information and Communications Technology, Jordan.

Recently Kuran presented a speech on shaping the future with solar energy at the High-Level Conference on Energy at the United Nations, at the U.N. headquarters in New York.