Early Life
Zhu Gongshan was born in February 1958, in Donggou, Funing County, Jiangsu Province, China. He is a descendant of the old Red Army and was the third child in his family. Zhu graduated from Nanjing Electric Power College (now Nanjing Institute of Technology) in 1981 with a diploma in electrical automation. His early career involved various jobs, including sales, before he ventured into entrepreneurship.
Rise to Success
Zhu Gongshan's journey to wealth began with the founding of GCL Group in 1990 in Hong Kong. He later established Xinhai Kang GCL Thermal Power Co., Ltd. in 1996, which developed multiple power plants. However, his significant impact came when he entered the photovoltaic industry in 2006, focusing on polysilicon production, the raw material for solar panels. This move led to the establishment of Jiangsu Zhongneng Silicon Technology Development Co., Ltd. GCL-Poly, run by Zhu Gongshan, became a leading polysilicon and silicon wafer producer globally.
Key Business Strategies
Zhu Gongshan’s success is attributed to several key strategies. He vertically integrated GCL Group, establishing a complete industry chain. His company focused on technological innovation and digital empowerment, driving breakthroughs in silicon, lithium, and carbon materials. Zhu expanded GCL's business portfolio to include wind power, energy storage, and hydrogen energy, offering comprehensive energy products and services worldwide. He also strategically listed subsidiaries on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Philanthropy
Through the GCL Sunshine Charity Foundation, Zhu Gongshan has launched over 100 initiatives in environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief.