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 • 22 Sep 2023
Hundreds of female students empowered to kick learning goals
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News • 21 Sep 2023
University and industry collaboration: ResTech officially opened by Minister Hon Ed Husic MP
The Honourable Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, today visited the University of Newcastle to officially open the new ResTech facility.
News • 21 Sep 2023
Gen Z and Business Transformation on the Agenda as 250 turn out for University’s Industry Open Day
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News • 15 Sep 2023
Our University supports a Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum
The University of Newcastle supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
News • 15 Sep 2023
Softballer takes out top honour at University Sports Awards
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News • 14 Sep 2023
Dr Jessica Allen receives prestigious Young Tall Poppy Award
Electrochemical engineer, Dr Jessica Allen has been recognised with a NSW 2023 Young Tall Poppy Science Award for her outstanding contribution to science communication.
News • 12 Sep 2023
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News • 12 Sep 2023
University Places Spotlight on Placements
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News • 11 Sep 2023
Delprat Cottage landscape remediation project lands prestigious Good Design Award
In recognition for outstanding design and innovation, the Delprat Cottage and Gardens has been awarded a Good Design Award Gold Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category at the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards.
News • 07 Sep 2023
566 people get behind University’s Gifting Day
Seven initiatives are set to receive vital funds, with the University of Newcastle’s Gifting Day raising more than $230,000 through the support of 566 donors and ambassadors.
News • 07 Sep 2023
Students receive Early Entry offers and extra support ahead of HSC exams
Almost 8,000 high school students will today receive an offer to study at the University of Newcastle as part of the first round of offers for the institution’s new Early Entry program.
News • 31 Aug 2023
Digital innovation launched to ‘eclipse’ rising tide of mental health and substance use problems
Much like the rest of the world, Australia is facing a mental health care crisis. COVID-19 has contributed more than a 25 per cent increase in new cases of depression and anxiety, with the impact on alcohol and other substance use still being understood.
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.