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 • 12 Jun 2024
University of Newcastle secures top spot for global impact
The University of Newcastle’s commitment to sustainability and climate action has been recognised as world-class, as the results of the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are released today.
News • 11 Jun 2024
Inspiring Australians celebrated in 2024 King's Birthday Honours
The University of Newcastle proudly congratulates all Australians who have been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, particularly those who are part of the University’s diverse and esteemed community.
News • 05 Jun 2024
Global research warns climate change is increasing groundwater temperatures
Shallow groundwater is projected to warm on average between 2.1 and 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to a world-first global groundwater temperature model.
News • 05 Jun 2024
Workforce willing to retrain, millennials ready to relocate: New research provides vital insights for Hunter and Central Coast businesses
New research reveals that the majority of residents across the Hunter and Central Coast are willing to retrain and reskill to fill the future jobs gap as the region transitions to a low-carbon economy.
News • 04 Jun 2024
Local playwright awarded University of Newcastle’s Creative in Residence
The University of Newcastle’s Creative in Residence has been awarded to local playwright, actor and director, Dr Carl Caulfield.
News • 27 May 2024
Walk-and-Talk: University of Newcastle team taking men’s therapy outdoors
Depression is a leading mental health concern in men. Yet, less than half of affected men seek professional help, and when they do, services are often not responsive to their needs.
News • 22 May 2024
Hydro Harvester scales up to quench market thirst
The University of Newcastle has officially unveiled technology capable of harvesting up to 1000 litres of drinkable water per day – from air.
News • 21 May 2024
Beyond the needle: what drives athletes to dope?
Coaches, government agencies, sponsors – even family and friends – are having an influence whether an athlete chooses to dope according to new research from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
News • 21 May 2024
University of Newcastle research aims to address global water security
The development of a low-cost portable water filtration bag will be the focus of new research supported by a $489,537 Clean Water Drinking Solutions Pty Ltd Grant.
News • 21 May 2024
New use for a lung scanning test to benefit severe asthma patients
Hunter respiratory researchers have found a new application for a lung scanning test that was first trialled at John Hunter Hospital in 2017.
News • 21 May 2024
Accelerating Startups with the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy Program
Housed at the University’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program is moving innovative technologies out of the lab and into global manufacturing.
News • 20 May 2024
Achievements and sound financial result captured in 2023 Annual Report
The University of Newcastle delivered strong results in 2023, as outline in its 2023 Annual Report that was tabled in NSW Parliament today.
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.