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 • 21 Aug 2014
Newcastle Open Day
Future UON students will have the opportunity to explore their degree and career options at this Saturday's Open Day at Callaghan campus
News • 20 Aug 2014
Industrial tribunal spotlight
A UON project will explore how industrial tribunals in the Hunter region are leading Australia in the proactive promotion of workplace co-operation.
News • 12 Aug 2014
Partnership to support students
Students facing difficult circumstances are set to benefit from a partnership that aims to improve access and participation in tertiary studies
News • 08 Aug 2014
Multiple Organ Failure - The Second Hit
Professor Zsolt’s research on multiple organ failure as a result of the ‘second hit’ was aired on the ABC’s Catalyst program on Thursday 7 August, 2014.
News • 08 Aug 2014
Autonomy Day celebrates UON’s proud history
Today the University of Newcastle (UON) celebrates the most significant event on its calendar - Autonomy Day.
News • 07 Aug 2014
With respect
The University of Newcastle and its community honours the victims of MH17 on this national day of mourning.
News • 07 Aug 2014
Central Coast Awards Night
Central Coast awards night celebrates student success and champions innovation
News • 07 Aug 2014
Asthma study trials antibiotic therapy
Asthma sufferers wanted for AMAZing trial of antibiotic therapy
News • 06 Aug 2014
Bike hubs encourage pedal power
Bike hubs encourage students to embrace pedal power following the construction of two bike hubs at its Callaghan campus.
News • 06 Aug 2014
Central Coast awards night celebrates students and supporters
Central Coast Awards night to be announced Wednesday 6 August
News • 05 Aug 2014
UON Nursing PhD student off to national 3MT finals
2014 Three Minute Thesis Winners | Nursing PhD student, Gary Crowfoot, is in the final round of the National/Trans-Tasman Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition
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.