Born in 1967, Li Hejun is a Chinese businessman at the head of a remarkable company in the renewable energy sector: Hanergy. In 1989, thanks to a loan of 50,000 yuan granted by a university professor, he founded this company, which has since transformed into a leading global player, exploring technological innovations such as thin-film solar panels, as well as wind and hydropower solutions. An impressive entrepreneurial journey, which at one time earned him the title of the richest man in China with a fortune of 26 billion dollars, surpassing the famous Jack Ma. However, Li Hejun’s destiny took another turn in December 2022 when he was arrested by the Liaoning police. Since then, his absence has raised many questions.
Li Hejun, born in 1967, is a Chinese businessman known for his significant contributions to the field of renewable energies. He founded Hanergy in 1989 with a loan of 50,000 Chinese yuan from one of his university professors. This modest beginning was the starting point of an adventure that propelled Hanergy to the status of a multinational specialized in solar energy, primarily in the production of thin-film solar panels.
At his peak, Li Hejun briefly held the title of the richest man in China, surpassing the famous Jack Ma with an estimated fortune of 26 billion dollars. His meteoric rise on the global business scene was notably marked by Hanergy’s expansion into the wind and hydro energy sectors.
However, Li Hejun’s career took a tragic turn. In 2022, he was arrested by the authorities of Liaoning province for reasons still shrouded in mystery. Despite this event, his influence and role in promoting sustainable energy solutions remain undeniable. His trajectory is a fascinating example of the impact of initiatives in the clean energy sector.
The Beginnings of Li Hejun and the Foundation of Hanergy
Li Hejun, born in 1967, is a Chinese entrepreneur who has made a mark on the renewable energy industry with his company Hanergy. In 1989, when the concept of green energy was still in its infancy in China, Li borrowed 50,000 Chinese yuan from his university professor to launch Hanergy. Li’s initial objective was to focus on innovation in the field of solar technologies. His path progressed from a simple university initiative to an impressive entrepreneurial destiny.
The Rise to China’s Richest Fortune
Thanks to his innovations in thin-film solar energy technologies, Li Hejun saw his company grow significantly, eventually becoming a multinational company in renewable energies, active in solar, wind, and hydraulic sectors. In 2014, he briefly became the richest man in China, even surpassing giants like Jack Ma, with an estimated fortune of 26 billion dollars. However, this prosperity was to be of an ephemeral and complex nature.
Fall and Controversies Surrounding Li Hejun
Li Hejun’s fairy tale did not last long. In 2015, Hanergy experienced a spectacular stock market crash, seeing its stock fall by 50% in just 30 minutes. This event generated many speculations and controversies around the management of the company. A year after this debacle, Li Hejun stepped down from his position at the head of Hanergy, adding a layer of mystery to this story. To learn more, you can consult this article from Le Figaro or that of Caixin Global. According to Le Monde, on December 17, 2022, Li Hejun was arrested by the police of the Chinese province of Liaoning, with no reappearance since. The details of his arrest remain unclear, fueling rumors and questions.
