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 • 30 May 2016
More to do before medicinal cannabis rollout
University of Newcastle's Professor Jennifer Martin outlines need for medical marijuana trials.
News • 27 May 2016
Student’s drone delivery video makes a real splash
Delivery of coffee, donuts and more to surfers via a drone captured sweet footage.
News • 20 May 2016
UON PhD candidate wins emerging researcher award
Young children aren't eating enough veggies says UON researcher Li Keng Chai.
News • 20 May 2016
UON welcomes commitment to Central Coast Medical School and Health and Medical Research Institute
UON welcomes commitment to Central Coast Medical School and Health and Medical Research Institute.
News • 17 May 2016
$1.5 million federal grant secures Indigenous health centre’s future
The Federal Government has provided a crucial $1.5 million grant to the University of Newcastle’s Gomeroi gaaynggal health centre at Tamworth and Walgett
News • 15 May 2016
World first microscope innovation
Helium atom microscope opens new window into scientific world
News • 13 May 2016
Keeping track of the flu keeps the nation on track
An online flu tracking project is keeping track of flu outbreaks in Australia.
News • 13 May 2016
UON PhD candidate's film to have world premiere in Hollywood
A PhD in Design at UON can take you anywhere, including Hollywood. Filmmaker Stuart McBratney has written, directed, composed a feature film
News • 12 May 2016
The science of food addiction: is it for real?
A team of University of Newcastle researchers are seeking to understand addiction to food.
News • 11 May 2016
Bees could provide an answer to Human-Elephant Conflict
bees could provide an answer to human elephant conflict
News • 11 May 2016
Ice cores help reconstruct Hunter weather for last 1000 years
Researchers have used data from 1000 year old ice cores to assess Australia's drought risk.
News • 09 May 2016
Health Check: how to get off the couch and into exercise
Dr Jordan Smith provides tips on how to get active.
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.