Affordable and Clean Energy
Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency
The University of Newcastle provides programs to educate the local community about the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.
In 2024, through the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE), we continued to raise awareness about solar technology and clean energy solutions. COE is a global leader in the exciting emerging field of 'functional printing', which uses conventional printing technologies to manufacture clever, high performing, low-cost materials to help solve some of the world's greatest challenges.
The Centre for Organic Electronics is marrying the creation of clever electronic inks with well-established printing technologies to address global challenges spanning renewable energy, health & medicine, and mining safety.
Their core focus is on translating cutting edge research for real world impact. As such, they partner with business, industry and government to generate products, systems and services that benefit our global community.
The COE is multidisciplinary, with expertise spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, health, design and communications. This depth and breadth of talent and expertise enables us to successfully manage projects from end-to-end.
Research themes include:
- printed solar
- biosensors & bioelectronics
- artificial colour retina
- scanning helium microscopy (SHeM)
- medical physics
Not just a hub for innovative research, the COE is one of the only research facilities in the world capable of also manufacturing printed electronic devices at commercial scale.
The University of Newcastle's Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) Successfully Hosted Its 14th Annual Spring School in 2024
In 2024, this three-day event provided undergraduate students from various disciplines, including Science, Math, IT, Engineering, and Medical Sciences, with an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in organic electronics. The program featured lectures from local and international experts, hands-on experiences in COE labs, and interactive think tank sessions aimed at inspiring students to pursue research careers. Highlights included fabricating organic solar cells, operating advanced microscopes, racing simulated EV cars, and learning about Printed Solar and its recycling. Accredited by CIFAL Newcastle and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), students received formal recognition for their participation. The event, sponsored by Spruson & Ferguson Intellectual Property and the Australian National Fabrication Facility, saw students awarded for solar cell efficiency and EV racing. Following the event’s success, many students expressed interest in continuing their research journey with the COE.
In December 2024, University-made Printed Solar powered Coldplay concerts in COE partnership.
Coldplay has made significant commitments to sustainability, continuously exploring and applying new technologies to reduce their environmental impact. This partnership was another step towards achieving their ambitious sustainability goals to reduce their tour’s carbon emissions by 50%.
An array of 500 square meters (about twice the area of a tennis court) of Printed Solar was placed behind the seats behind the stage and elsewhere in the venue to collect power in battery packs. These batteries were then used to power Coldplay’s C Stage and fulfil other ancillary power needs throughout the venue.
Printed Solar uses organic photovoltaics (OPVs) which are a next-generation solar cell technology that uses organic compounds to convert sunlight into electricity. Now producing at scale with the support of the Newcastle Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) Hub, located at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER). Manufactured with PET plastic using roll-to-roll printing techniques and fully recycled in-house, Printed Solar is one of the lowest emission-intensive energy sources available.
Dr Ben Vaughan, Hub Manager for the ANFF, says Printed Solar has enormous potential for a variety of applications.
Members of TRaCE, NIER, COE and Kardinia Energy backstage at Accor Stadium.
The COE team in Newcastle holding up a roll of Printed Solar designed for the Coldplay concert.
COE, the University of Newcastle Australia 5:43
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News • 07 Nov 2017
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor announces retirement at end of 2018
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen, has announced she will retire from the University in October 2018.
News • 03 Nov 2017
University Network to Drive NSW Defence
The NSW Government will invest $1.25 million in a new university-led network to bolster defence-related research and development activity across the state.
News • 02 Nov 2017
New tool to tackle childhood obesity
The feedAustralia program is currently being trialled in early childhood education and care settings by the University of Newcastle.
News • 01 Nov 2017
World-first family health program launches
A ground-breaking program developed by University of Newcastle researchers has been awarded $350,000 in funding by the Greater Charitable Foundation.
News • 01 Nov 2017
UON and defence industry join forces in new facility
A new facility which will unite the research and innovation capabilities of the University of Newcastle (UON) and defence industry has launched at Williamtown.
News • 30 Oct 2017
Curious young learners celebrated
More than 500 students will attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Newcastle this week as part of the Children's University Newcastle program.
News • 30 Oct 2017
Historians awarded State Library fellowships
UON history researchers Dr Julie McIntyre and Dr Tim Stanley have each been awarded a prestigious 2018 NSW State Library Fellowship.
News • 30 Oct 2017
Educator celebrated for key advocacy work
UON lecturer in education, Mr David Roy, has been featured in The Educator’s prestigious 2017 Hot List as a notable leader in the sector.
News • 26 Oct 2017
Leading the charge for gender equity in academia
The University of Newcastle has announced an inaugural program that will seek to address the issue of retention of female academics in higher education.
News • 25 Oct 2017
Emissions reduction technology enters new phase
UON has unveiled a world-first demonstration facility to test new technology that captures methane emissions from underground coal mine operations.
News • 24 Oct 2017
Support for international students in the Hunter
StudyNSW is investing $358,000 in 10 partner projects across the state to improve the international student experience in NSW.
News • 18 Oct 2017
International honour for cybersecurity expert
Professor Vijay Varadharajan from the University of Newcastle (UON) has received the 2017 Mahatma Gandi Pravasi Samman award.
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.