The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) research program

• Reducing energy and water consumption in industries of national significance.
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• Lowering carbon emission through next generation clean coal and carbon capture and storage technologies.
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• Developing alternative energy sources including geothermal, biomass, wind and polymer solar cells.
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• Improving efficiencies in energy generation and conversion.
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• Creating smarter and more efficient networks for the distribution and utilisation of electricity and water.
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• Promoting social change and the sustainability of resources and the environment.
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NIER brings together current research groups, including the following University of Newcastle Priority Research Centres (PRCs):

PRC for Organic Electronics

The PRC for Organic Electronics focuses on scientific challenges in the development of organic photovoltaics for the next generation of environmentally friendly energy sources, photonics and biosensors.

Other NIER Centres include:

Centre for Social Research in Energy and Resources (CSRER)

CSRER is the first centre in Australia dedicated solely to researching the social dimensions of energy and resources, with researchers providing social perspectives in a variety of environmental, energy and resource areas including carbon emissions, water and industrial ecology.

Centre for Intelligent Electricity Networks (CIEN)

CIEN is an innovative partnership between NIER and Ausgrid focused on exploring intelligent energy distribution initiatives with the aim of developing technology solutions to meet the challenges of building a more intelligent energy future.

Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research (CIMR)

CIMR is a partnership between NIER and BHP Billiton, aimed at defining the link between fundamental iron ore and metallurgical coal properties and their performance in the ironmaking process.

Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies (CBSPT)

CBSPT is actively involved in both fundamental and applied research on a range of problems associated with bulk solids & particulate technology. Research areas include storage, flow, processing and transportation of bulk solids. CBSPT also provides specialist courses for industry through its professional development programs.

Centre for Multiphase Processes (CMP)

CMP conducts research and research training in the science and technology of fine particles and bubbles. Multiphase processes, which are those involving more than one of the phases of matter - gas, liquid or solid, form the basis for all Australian process industries including food, energy, agricultural, production and processing.

Centre for Optimal Planning and Operations (C-OPT)

C-OPT brings together researchers with expertise and experience in using quantitative methods to develop innovative, customised solutions that help businesses streamline their processes and enhance their decision making, so as to reduce costs, increase productivity, and positively impact their triple bottom line.