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
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News • 05 Jul 2021
Statement from the Chancellor
A university is by its very essence — universitas magistrorum et scholarium — a community of teachers and scholars and is the bedrock for higher teaching and learning; for research; for the discovery and development of new ideas – all for the betterment of individuals and society.
News • 24 Jun 2021
Graduation marks milestone for students on their academic journey
In recognition of their significant academic achievement, students across the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses will mark the culmination of their studies at graduation ceremonies over the next week.
News • 22 Jun 2021
Update on Chancellorship
The University of Newcastle announced today that Mr Paul Jeans has been reappointed as Chancellor, following the decision of the …
News • 21 Jun 2021
Update on Chancellor appointment
The Hon. Mark Vaile has reviewed his decision to take on the role of Chancellor of the University of Newcastle and has advised of his intention now not to proceed.
News • 17 Jun 2021
Tackling health issues at their origin with NEW1000 study
Researchers will study the human microbiome in pregnant women, fathers, and their children to determine the impact of a healthy microbiome on health outcomes.
News • 15 Jun 2021
Mark Hughes Foundation makes $7.5 million commitment to accelerating brain cancer research
The Mark Hughes Foundation has announced a $7.5 million, five-year philanthropic commitment to the University of Newcastle.
News • 15 Jun 2021
Hunter Region’s premier aquatic facility makes a splash at official reopening
The region’s premier swimming and aquatic facility reopened today, much to the delight of athletes, recreational swimmers, families, students, and the broader community.
News • 14 Jun 2021
Remarkable Australians recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
The University of Newcastle congratulates all Australians recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours, in particular those belonging to the University’s esteemed community.
News • 11 Jun 2021
Safe return of international students to Newcastle
Statement from Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO on the safe return of international students to Newcastle
News • 10 Jun 2021
Learn how to change the world through sustainable food
Current research focused on creating the next generation of sustainable food and nutrition services will be served up at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus on June 17 and 18.
News • 09 Jun 2021
2022 QS World Rankings
In a challenging year, the University of Newcastle has maintained its position among the world’s Top 200 universities in the prestigious 2022 QS World University Rankings.
News • 08 Jun 2021
National honour for Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon
Renowned Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon and University of Newcastle Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, has been awarded the 2021 Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) Medal.
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.