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 • 11 May 2022
University of Newcastle welcomes $50M to trailblaze in recycling and clean energy
The University of Newcastle has welcomed today’s Federal Government announcement of $50 million in funding to produce clean energy and recycling innovations through the creation of the Australian Trailblazer Recycling and Clean Energy (ATRaCE) Program.
News • 11 May 2022
Partnership with Australian Public Service to boost regional jobs and digital opportunities
The Minister for the Public Service, Ben Morton has today announced that the Australian Public Service (APS) will partner with the University of Newcastle to deliver a new university Academy Campus.
News • 09 May 2022
University of Newcastle welcomes $15 Million Decarbonisation Hub
The University of Newcastle has welcomed a $15 million investment from the NSW Government for a Decarbonisation Innovation Hub that will help fast-track research, development and commercialisation to drive solutions for a low emissions economy.
News • 09 May 2022
Oceanex Energy Scholarship empowers student-led renewable energy research
A new scholarship delivered by Oceanex Energy will support University of Newcastle research into renewable energy options, and offshore wind farming specifically.
News • 05 May 2022
Australian Scientist to head bid to clean up the world's soils
A distinguished Australian scientist has been chosen to lead a global effort to end pollution of the world’s food-growing soils.
News • 03 May 2022
Migrant voices needed for Australia’s largest study on women’s health
The largest and longest-running women’s health study ever conducted in Australia is looking to recruit at least 1000 migrant women to ensure the study accurately reflects Australia’s current population.
News • 02 May 2022
Sustainability Remains Key for University
Sustainability is at the core of the University’s values and the latest rankings from Times Higher Education Impact Rankings show the university continues to be a world leader in sustainability.
News • 21 Apr 2022
HMRI launches new research programs
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has announced the creation of 19 new research programs. The new programs will study a wide range of health issues relevant to our communities.
News • 13 Apr 2022
New model could help save koalas at a fraction of the price
Integrating frozen koala sperm into captive management programs is a crucial step to help save the endangered Australian species – a first-of-its-kind model reveals.
News • 12 Apr 2022
University of Newcastle tips hats to latest cohort of graduates
University of Newcastle students will gather in Callaghan’s Great Hall over the coming days as nearly 2,300 graduates receive their degrees this week.
News • 11 Apr 2022
New University campus for Gosford
The NSW Government has today announced that the University of Newcastle will be its university partner to deliver a new university campus in Mann Street, Gosford.
News • 11 Apr 2022
HMRI announces new Institute Director
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is pleased to announce Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin has been appointed as the new Institute Director of HMRI for a period of five years.
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.