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 • 27 Jan 2017
Australia Day honours 2017
The University of Newcastle congratulates members of the UON community who received Australia Day honours.
News • 25 Jan 2017
Funding to help athletes rebound from injury
A new study investigating hamstring and adductor muscle strain injuries is set to improve injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies for athletes.
News • 20 Jan 2017
Complementary legal service hits the beach for those feeling the heat
Law on the Beach, a free legal service for the community, will be held at Newcastle Beach over January and February
News • 18 Jan 2017
UAC Main Round Offers Released
UON’s 2017 total offers reach 9395, a 12 per cent increase on total offers for the same period last year.
News • 21 Dec 2016
Industry collaboration at the fore of $44 million to aid UON researchers
Industry collaboration at the fore of $44 million to aid UON researchers
News • 12 Dec 2016
A global gong for the University of Newcastle’s Confucius Institute
UON's Confucius Institute has received global recognition for its success in teaching Chinese language and culture in Australia and Oceania.
News • 08 Dec 2016
UON continues to lead in gender equity
UON has again received a citation as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for the third straight year
News • 01 Dec 2016
Accolades for UON Education at AARE conference
UON’s School of Education has been honoured for its outstanding work with numerous accolades at the Australian Association for Research …
News • 01 Dec 2016
Reliable renewable electricity is possible if we make smart decisions now
Dr Bonnie McBain explains recent positive developments for renewables.
News • 25 Nov 2016
UON researcher a Tomorrow Maker
UON researcher Dr Emma Beckett has been awarded a grant in the AMP Tomorrow Fund round.
News • 24 Nov 2016
Award winning film to address domestic violence
A film screening is being held to start a national discussion on how higher education can contribute to ending family and domestic violence.
News • 22 Nov 2016
Excellence in Innovation awarded
UON researchers translate research into practical solutions for industry and community.
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.