Goal 7:
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 • 08 Oct 2024
Millie’s pathway to becoming an inspiring teacher and making a change in community
The University of Newcastle is leading transformative change in rural and regional education, which is one thing that attracted proud Wiradjuri woman, Millie Mills, to the University. Millie relocated from Wellington and is currently in her second year of studying Education, something that she said is thanks to the Wollotuka Institute’s Yapug program.
News • 02 Oct 2024
Australia’s health prevention programs set for $5m NHMRC check up
The University of Newcastle will lead a national research program aiming to transform Australia’s health prevention system and reduce the chronic disease burden.
News • 30 Sep 2024
Fossil Fables strikes gold at 2024 Australian Good Design Awards
A unique exhibition which explores Australia’s complex relationship with coal mining has been recognised with a gold accolade in the prestigious 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
News • 26 Sep 2024
Collaborating for clean energy and coastal resilience in the Pacific
The University of Newcastle is proudly continuing its commitment to engagement in the Pacific region, with representatives signing an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) in Samoa this week.
News • 24 Sep 2024
Calling all Newcastle and Hunter innovators to submit their solutions for a sustainable future
The Net Zero Grand Challenge is calling for innovators from Newcastle, the Hunter, and beyond to get involved and submit applications for their big ideas that will empower organisations to be accountable for their environmental performance.
News • 23 Sep 2024
Shifting demands of the sector on agenda at global higher education conference
Hundreds of higher education professionals, academics, industry and policy leaders are set to arrive in Newcastle this week as the University of Newcastle prepares to host the Times High Education (THE) Campus LIVE ANZ Conference 2024.
News • 23 Sep 2024
Researchers secure grant to transform contaminated biosolids into sustainable nutrient-rich fertiliser
Almost 350,000 tonnes of dry biosolids, or treated sludge from wastewater, are generated annually in Australia. This is a significant potential new nutrient source for the agriculture industry. However, heavy metals and emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS, found in biosolids is putting a considerable constraint on its use.
News • 13 Sep 2024
Media Statement: Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky’s contract extended
University of Newcastle Chancellor, Patricia Forsythe, AM has announced the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky’s contract has been extended until the end of 2028.
News • 12 Sep 2024
Outstanding individuals recognised at annual Alumni awards
An internationally renowned soprano, Indigenous health pioneer, and an award-winning screenwriter were among those recognised at last night’s annual celebration of the University of Newcastle Alumni Excellence Awards.
News • 10 Sep 2024
$1.3m funding to better prepare for heatwaves
A project which aims to improve preparedness for the escalating threat of heatwaves in regional NSW, has been awarded more than $1.3m funding through the Disaster Ready Fund – an Australian Government initiative that supports projects which address the physical and social impacts of disasters on communities.
News • 10 Sep 2024
Community health, sporting excellence and education at the centre of new partnership
The people of Lake Macquarie and current and future students are at the centre of a new partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale.
News • 06 Sep 2024
Plans lodged for University of Newcastle City Campus Student Accommodation
The University of Newcastle is one step closer to delivering its brand new, state-of-the-art City Campus Student Accommodation building in Newcastle after submitting the project's State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for approval.
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.