ABB, the international power and automation technology group, has signed a contract with LDK Solar worth more than USD36 million to supply electrical systems, equipment and related engineering and project management services for a new production plant in Xinyu City, Jiangxi.

When completed the facility will be Asia's largest polysilicon plant, with an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons. Polysilicon is used in the production of monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar wafers, the principal raw material used to produce the solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

As the main electrical contractor for the project, ABB will provide equipment and services for the electrification of the plant to ensure a safe, reliable supply of power. The scope of supply includes low and medium voltage switchgear, distribution transformers and fully insulated tubular busbars, as well as project design, engineering and other services.

The first production line of the new plant is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2008, and 5,000 to 7,000 metric tons of polysilicon are expected to be produced in 2009.