About the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources
The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) addresses national priorities in sustainability and energy, producing a range of solutions for sustainable production and energy use. Unrivalled in Australia in scale and the quality of research infrastructure, NIER is located at the former BHP-Billiton Newcastle Research Laboratories, a 3.8 hectare site adjoining the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus.
Collaborating with national and international partners, NIER provides practical and viable benefits to industry, the community and the economy by advancing research in clean energy production, energy efficiency and the minimisation of carbon emissions.
Funded with the assistance of a $30million Australian Government grant, NIER will include specialist laboratory space for large scale test bed and pilot plant operations.
Under the leadership of Director Dr Alan Broadfoot, NIER directly contributes to Australian Government priorities including the Clean Energy Initiative, the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency and the National Framework for Climate Change Science.
The Institute will have ongoing benefits in the Hunter region, promoting the growth and delivery of applied research facilities for students, and increasing the number of graduates entering the energy and resources labour markets.
Highlights
Something new under the sun
Professor Paul Dastoor's solar paint technology could turn every residential roof into an electricity generator.
The idea of a photovoltaic paint seemed like pure science fiction when Professor Paul Dastoor began investigating alternative solar energy technology 15 years ago.