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
Learn more
News • 18 Nov 2016
Flushing an age-old myth
November 19 is World Toilet Day, so UON's Dr David Boutelier has settled the debate around which direction the water should flush.
News • 18 Nov 2016
Students challenged to enhance Central Coast wellbeing
students challenged to enhance central coast wellbeing illuminate nextgen
News • 15 Nov 2016
International leaders in campus and city planning meet in Newcastle
Thought leaders from across the globe met in Newcastle this week for the 2016 Univer-Cities Conference, hosted by UON.
News • 11 Nov 2016
Public health pioneer honoured on $3.6m HMRI Awards night
Professor John Wiggers, A/Prof Jodie Simpson and Dr Andrew Bivard awarded for their research excellence.
News • 09 Nov 2016
Cracks exist in Australia’s drought management
UON's Dr Anthony Kiem has brought to light the unique danger of drought in Australia if we rely solely on the patterns observed in the instrumental record.
News • 08 Nov 2016
NASA recruits UON scientist for climate change mission
NASA has appointed University of Newcastle (UON) Professor Shin-Chan Han as part of an elite research group aimed at measuring climate change from space.
News • 04 Nov 2016
Unlikely urban frog discovery surprises scientists
A UON biologist has made the incredible discovery of a new frog species nearby Newcastle Airport, Australia.
News • 01 Nov 2016
Rethinking future urban development at United Nations conference
UON's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, and CIFAL Newcastle Director, Associate Professor Graham Brewer, attended the UN Habitat III Conference.
News • 01 Nov 2016
UON attracts over $5.7 million in ARC funding to support future research
Including a prestigious ARC Future Fellowship for $930,000 awarded to Associate Professor Sarah Wright.
News • 28 Oct 2016
Collaborative space Three76 throws open its doors to innovation
A brand new innovation space run by UON will officially open its doors to welcome its first clients this week, marking an exciting step for the Hunter.
News • 28 Oct 2016
UON researcher plays leading role in ground-breaking new Shakespeare edition
UON researcher plays leading role in ground-breaking new Shakespeare edition.
News • 27 Oct 2016
UON awarded over $5.6 million in NHMRC funding
UON is delighted to announce the following successful researchers in the latest round of NHMRC funding.
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.