Affordable and Clean Energy
100% Renewable Energy Pledge
The University of Newcastle publicly supports and promotes the transition to 100% renewable energy beyond its own campus operations. Across the Hunter region, this commitment is advanced through public discussion, regional collaboration and support for clean-energy innovation.
100% renewable electricity
Since 1 January 2020, the University's Newcastle and Central Coast campuses have used 100% renewable electricity, demonstrating the practical potential of large-scale renewable electricity procurement. The University extends this commitment beyond campus operations and promotes a transition toward renewable energy across the Hunter region.
The Hunter Climate Innovation and Investment Summit
In 2025, the University supported public and industry discussion about the region's clean-energy transition. Held at the University's I2N Hub Honeysuckle on 19 February 2025, the Hunter Climate Innovation and Investment Summit brought together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, climate innovators and investors to explore clean-energy technologies, climate investment and the Hunter's role in the global decarbonisation transition. The program included an industry panel, a climate-tech showcase and discussion of how investment and innovation can accelerate the shift to a more sustainable energy future.
Hunter New Energy Symposium
In 2025, the University participated in the Hunter New Energy Symposium, which brought together researchers, industry and other regional stakeholders under the theme The Power of Collaboration to showcase clean-energy technologies and accelerate their translation into real-world applications. University of Newcastle researchers presented projects through the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program, demonstrating how research and cross-sector partnerships can contribute to Australia's clean-energy transition. Read more here.
These activities complement the University's own commitment to 100% renewable electricity at its Newcastle and Central Coast campuses. By combining institutional action with public engagement, research translation and partnerships with government, industry and community stakeholders, the University actively promotes the development and adoption of renewable and clean-energy solutions beyond the campus boundary.
News
News • 20 Sep 2021
New environmental partnership puts waste to work
Turning trash into treasure, a new partnership between the University of Newcastle and Newcastle city’s first five star hotel, Crystalbrook Kingsley, will put students, researchers and waste to work in a bid to drive sustainability in our community and reduce waste in the hospitality industry.
News • 26 Apr 2021
Supporting ecological recovery through research
Thanks to the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, University of Newcastle researcher Sarah Stock is gathering valuable data using genetic markers in a newly identified species of frog.
News • 04 Sep 2020
New green hydrogen made from solar power and air
In a remarkable first, a system that combines solar energy with water harvested from air has been used to manufacture low cost green hydrogen – a zero-emissions fuel.
News • 21 Oct 2019
Prioritising our planet
The University of Newcastle has launched Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019-2025. The plan is a roadmap to operating in a sector leading, environmentally sustainable way.
News • 01 Oct 2019
A new dawn for Australian minerals
A new $35 million Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence based at the University of Newcastle will make mineral processing more environmentally sustainable and do much to secure the future availability of the metals we depend on for modern living.
News • 01 Oct 2019
Renewables switch wins Clever Campus award
The University of Newcastle was awarded the prestigious Innovation Award by the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association at its annual Clever Campus Awards ceremony.
News • 26 Sep 2019
Unlocking answers to the energy supply system of the future
An initiative has launched aimed at providing ways Australia can successfully integrate new energy technologies into the power grid.
News • 17 Sep 2019
Standing for climate action
The University of Newcastle stands for climate action. As announced in late 2018, we will source 100% of our energy needs from renewable sources from 1 January 2020. Our next target is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.
News • 01 Apr 2019
Botanical Beauties of the Hunter
Flora of the Hunter: Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs was authored by University of Newcastle alumni and published in collaboration with CSIRO.
News • 15 Dec 2018
First Australian university to sign 100% renewable electricity contract with Red Energy
In a sector-leading move, the University of Newcastle has signed a seven-year contract with Red Energy to buy 100% renewable electricity across its Newcastle and Central Coast campuses.
News • 24 Sep 2018
Investing in businesses of tomorrow
Since 2015, UON has been working toward sustainable investment processes and practices to measure and improve the environmental and social …
News • 29 Aug 2018
Electric partnership powers energy innovation
A powerful new industry-research collaboration is signaling the emergence of a new renewable energy market – organic printed solar.
Events
There are currently no events.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.