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 • 23 Jul 2013
Medical innovation
University researcher’s antibiotic device to improve home healthcare
News • 23 Jul 2013
Leading the bid for a Cooperative Research Centre for Wildlife Biodiversity
The University of Newcastle is leading a Trans-Tasman consortium bid for a Cooperative Research Centre for Wildlife Biodiversity (Wildlife Biodiversity CRC)
News • 22 Jul 2013
University reaches out to budding science students
More than 1,400 budding scientists and engineers from 40 local schools have been invited to compete in the Ausgrid Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge.
News • 18 Jul 2013
Teachers' Visit Day
Hunter teachers to flock to the University of Newcastle Teachers' Visit Day.
News • 12 Jul 2013
The French connection
Five Bachelor of Communication students selected for an international media internship to film a documentary in France on the Festival 'Les Cultures du Monde'
News • 08 Jul 2013
NAIDOC Week
The University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute will play a leading role in celebrations across the Hunter Region this NAIDOC Week, 8-15 July.
News • 05 Jul 2013
New Appointment
The University of Newcastle has appointed Mark Pigot as its new Chief Information Officer. He began on Tuesday 25 June 2013.
News • 28 Jun 2013
Creative Industries
One of six University of Newcastle projects awarded highly prestigious Australian Research Council Linkage Project Grants worth a total of $1.8 million.
News • 21 Jun 2013
Cardiology riddle solved in 3D heartbeat
Using sophisticated computer modelling, a University of Newcastle researcher has helped discover how the heart regulates its beat.
News • 19 Jun 2013
Institute of Architects honour University of Newcastle students
Three students from the University of Newcastle’s School of Architecture and Design have won prestigious Australian Institute of Architects’ medals.
News • 19 Jun 2013
The relationship between technology use and childhood obesity
The University of Newcastle is leading a research project into the link between technology use and childhood obesity.
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.