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 • 09 Sep 2014
Stroke survivors take centre stage
University of Newcastle choir BrainWaves helped launch 2014 Stroke Awareness Week with a performance at Parliament House in Sydney yesterday.
News • 05 Sep 2014
Energy Innovation Hub
The NSW Energy Innovation Knowledge Hub, launched today at the University of Newcastle, will further leverage the State’s innovative strengths in the sector.
News • 05 Sep 2014
Balloons for brain cancer research
This Father’s Day two UON students will release balloons at the Newcastle Knights game in memory of their dad and others who have been affected by brain cancer.
News • 03 Sep 2014
Filmmaker to explore Witch of Kings Cross
Internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Sonia Bible will visit UON to explore archived documents relating to the ‘Witch of Kings Cross, Rosaleen Norton.
News • 02 Sep 2014
University of Newcastle researcher awarded NHMRC Fellowship
UON researcher Professor Phil Hansbro received a prestigious NHMRC research fellowship for his project 'Development of new therapies for respiratory
News • 01 Sep 2014
25 Watt celebrates student art
UON Students’ Art Gallery, Watt Space is celebrating its 25th anniversary in September, making it the longest-running student art gallery in Australia.
News • 29 Aug 2014
NeW Space Information Session
UON will this weekend host a community information session, where Hunter residents can view plans for the proposed NeW Space higher education facility.
News • 29 Aug 2014
Partnership creates pathways for international students
UON and Hunter TAFE have joined forces in an innovative partnership aimed at enhancing the region’s reputation as a world-class education provider.
News • 28 Aug 2014
Defence cluster ignites engagement
UON showcases developments of our leading defence researchers and is being applied to solve real life challenges.
News • 26 Aug 2014
New asthma therapy
A new therapy developed by HMRI and UK-based respiratory researchers has recorded a marked reduction in acute asthma exacerbations triggered by the common cold
News • 25 Aug 2014
Vines, wine and identity
University to explore influence of iconic Hunter Valley wine region
News • 25 Aug 2014
UON researcher collects prestigious medal
University Of Newcastle researcher Professor Reza Moheimani has collected the prestigious Nichols Medal in Cape Town.
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.