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 • 25 Aug 2016
International spotlight on engineering breakthrough
UON's engineering researcher, Dr Kim Van Netten, has won the inaugural Australian Falling Walls Lab competition that recognises innovative ideas and research
News • 24 Aug 2016
Study finds fathers are key to girls’ well-being
The world-first DADEE (Dads And Daughters Exercising & Empowered) program run by UON researchers has improved girls’ self-esteem, resilience & physical activity
News • 24 Aug 2016
Textbook donation helps Samoan students reach their potential
University of Newcastle textbook donation helps samoan students reach their potential
News • 22 Aug 2016
UON welcomes Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education and Research
uon welcomes pro vice chancellor indigenous education and research
News • 17 Aug 2016
Newcastle icons ready to get animated
Newcastle icons ready to get animated with a new challenge to create a GIF of a Newcastle icon.
News • 14 Aug 2016
Vale Professor Trevor Waring AM
The University of Newcastle Community is deeply saddened by the passing of former Chancellor Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM.
News • 11 Aug 2016
China research conference hosted in Southern Hemisphere for first time
UON will co-present the China Road International Conference from August 13-15, the first time the event will be staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
News • 10 Aug 2016
Explore opportunities at Central Coast
Future students can learn about the wide range of degrees and courses offered at the joint University of Newcastle & Hunter TAFE Central Coast campus Open Day.
News • 10 Aug 2016
Newcastle Business School receives international recognition
Newcastle Business School receives international recognition
News • 08 Aug 2016
Hunter Innovation Precinct
A partnership between Muswellbrook Shire Council and the University of Newcastle has enabled the establishment of a tertiary education and research precinct.
News • 04 Aug 2016
UON academics present vision for NSW
Some of the state’s 'best and brightest' young academics have presented ideas for the future of NSW to His Excellency …
News • 03 Aug 2016
Vale Laureate Professor Jonathan Borwein
The University of Newcastle community is mourning the sudden passing of esteemed mathematician Laureate Professor Jonathan Borwein.
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.