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 • 10 Feb 2022
University of Newcastle Business School earns place among world’s best
The University of Newcastle Business School has been granted European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Accreditation, joining the world’s leading providers of business education.
News • 07 Feb 2022
University of Newcastle announces $10 million partnership with BHP to help decarbonise steelmaking
BHP will extend its partnership with the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research at the University of Newcastle with a further A$10 million in funding to support ongoing research into decarbonising steelmaking.
News • 03 Feb 2022
University of Newcastle’s Q Building awarded world-leading 6 Star rating – the first in regional NSW
The University of Newcastle’s Q Building has become the first building in regional NSW to achieve a 6 Star Green Star ‘Design and As Built’ certified rating.
News • 01 Feb 2022
2NUR news training program hits the headlines
University of Newcastle community radio station 2NURFM has won a national accolade for its news training program, which has helped launch the media careers of hundreds of students.
News • 27 Jan 2022
Recognising our extraordinary community: 2022 Australia Day Honours
The University of Newcastle is incredibly proud to celebrate the contributions and achievements of its valued community who are recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.
News • 25 Jan 2022
University of Newcastle receives over $5 million in research funding
Researchers at the University of Newcastle have been awarded over $5.1 million from the ARC for a broad range of projects, including a study of selfie-editing apps in youth culture, climate change adaptation in Australian industries, and a reimagining of post-mining landscapes.
News • 25 Jan 2022
NHMRC supports research into psychotic disorders
University Newcastle PhD student Dr Jayson Jeganathan will investigate the negative symptoms of psychosis after he was awarded a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2021 Postgraduate Scholarship.
News • 25 Jan 2022
Offers of study bring positive start to 2022 for students
More than 2600 future students will today receive an offer to study at the University of Newcastle as the institution’s main round offers are released.
News • 21 Jan 2022
University of Newcastle launches Ngarrama – a night of reflection
On the eve of Australia Day, the University of Newcastle, in partnership with Awabakal Ltd and with support from the City of Newcastle, is proud to host Ngarrama — a free public event to engage the community in meaningful reconciliation through truth telling and historical acceptance.
News • 17 Jan 2022
$2.1m to beat rare genetic disease cystic fibrosis
University of Newcastle respiratory disease expert Professor Peter Wark will lead a new $2.1m project to develop targeted treatments for the rare genetic and life-threatening disease cystic fibrosis, which damages the lungs and digestive system.
News • 14 Jan 2022
New academic scholarships support Year 12 high achievers
A new University of Newcastle scholarship program will support the aspirations of high achieving Year 12 students who begin university study this year.
News • 16 Dec 2021
Female-led ventures shine at Demo Day
Nine inspiring female founders pitched their start-ups at the Female Founders Program Demo Day this week.
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.