Affordable and Clean Energy
Energy Efficiency Services for Industry
The University of Newcastle works directly with industry to improve energy efficiency, develop clean-energy technologies and accelerate the transition of new solutions from research into commercial use. In 2025, this support included collaborative research, co-funded R&D, free industry training and access to specialist prototyping facilities.
Industry services through TRaCE
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program, led by UNSW Sydney and the University of Newcastle with Australian Government and industry partners, connects businesses with University expertise, facilities and commercialisation support in clean energy and circular-economy technologies.
Free and co-funded support for industry
In 2025, the University's TRaCE annual reporting recorded two free industry-focused short courses: Hydrogen Safety Awareness and Fundamentals of Future Energy Storage. These courses supported workforce capability in emerging clean-energy technologies at no cost to participants.
TRaCE also continued its R&D Voucher Program, which provides matched funding for businesses to work with University researchers and use specialist infrastructure. The voucher model co-funds collaborative R&D, with eligible SMEs able to access matched support of up to $50,000 to de-risk technology development and testing.
By 2025, eight R&D vouchers had been awarded through the University of Newcastle, supporting one existing and seven new industry partners across projects including geothermal feasibility, printed-solar systems, distributed-energy resources and sustainable materials.
Local industry: FPR Energy
Newcastle-based FPR Energy partnered with University researchers through a TRaCE R&D Voucher to test ceramic particles used in particle-based concentrated solar thermal technology. The research examines how the particles perform under temperatures up to 1200°C while maintaining heat-transfer and thermal-storage performance.
The work supports a technology designed to deliver reliable, zero-emissions heat and power for energy-intensive industries such as minerals processing, refining, smelting, cement and manufacturing. By improving material performance, reliability and efficiency, the collaboration helps move high-temperature renewable heat closer to commercial deployment.
University of Newcastle researchers working with FPR Energy on high-temperature thermal-energy storage.
Technical expertise for industry: geothermal energy
In March 2025, Google Australia partnered with the University of Newcastle to assess the feasibility of geothermal energy in Australia. Led by Associate Professor Elham Doroodchi and supported by Solution Energy, the project analyses technical barriers and potential locations for geothermal development.
The study provides industry with specialist engineering and energy-systems expertise to evaluate a firm, low-emissions renewable-energy option and inform future investment and technology scale-up.
Associate Professor Elham Doroodchi leads the University's geothermal feasibility work with Google Australia.
Facilities that help industry test and scale clean-energy technologies
In July 2025, the University officially opened the Modern Manufacturing Workshop and Advanced Prototyping Facility at Callaghan Campus through TRaCE. The facilities provide pilot-scale manufacturing, prototyping and testing capability to help researchers, startups and industry partners move clean-energy and circular-economy technologies from the laboratory toward commercial deployment.
The University also uses industry events such as the Hunter Climate Innovation and Investment Summit to connect companies, investors, researchers and climate-tech innovators with new energy technologies, commercialisation pathways and partnership opportunities.
These services give industry access to technical expertise, training, co-funded research, specialist facilities and collaboration opportunities that can improve energy performance, accelerate clean-energy adoption and reduce the risk of bringing new technologies to market.
Key Services & Actions in 2024
| Service Type | What Was Provided | Who Benefits / Industry Partners |
|---|---|---|
| R&D Co‑funding & Technology Development | Projects supported included hydrogen production from seawater, clean fuels/chemicals from waste, green ceramics from textile waste. These are applied innovations directly relevant to clean energy and materials sectors. | Local manufacturers, SMEs, industry partners working in hydrogen, sustainable materials and recycling. |
| R&D Voucher Program for SMEs & Start‑ups | TRaCE provided matching funding to small businesses to partner with University labs and use specialist equipment/facilities for clean energy or recycling innovations. For example, EM Energy accessed the TRaCE R&D Voucher to test and validate production of green hydrogen using industry‑grade infrastructure at Newcastle. | SMEs and early‑stage companies seeking to improve their technologies or scale up. |
| Mobility Fellowships & Partnerships | The University offers “Mobility Fellowships” under TRaCE, enabling early‑ or mid‑career researchers and those in industry to spend time in partner organisations or at University premises, working jointly on projects in themes such as solar PV, energy storage, sustainable fuels etc. | Researchers and industry staff who need access to academic expertise, facilities, or co‑development opportunities. |
| Creation of Industry‑ready Facilities | Two new research‑to‑industry facilities were opened: the Modern Manufacturing Workshop and the Advanced Prototyping Facility at Callaghan Campus. These provide infrastructure for prototyping, testing, scaling up technologies, especially in clean energy / circular economy domains. | Industry partners, startups, SMEs needing prototyping / testing capabilities in clean energy and recycling technologies. |
| Workshops, Networking & Industry Engagement |
| Local industry, startups, entrepreneurs, investors, government agencies. |
| Education / Training Pathways | Development of curricula (or programs) for clean energy specialists (e.g. education in solar technologies, energy systems, policy, etc.), skills‑transfer between academia and industry through co‑designed projects. | Workers in energy, industry employees, professionals wanting upskilling in renewables and clean energy; also companies who hire graduates. |
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.