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 • 08 Mar 2021
Yarning Circle to bring communities together
A Yarning Circle, established to provide a significant and accessible meeting space for local Aboriginal communities and the Central Coast community, has officially opened at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus.
News • 05 Mar 2021
Scholarship win for surf life saving champion
One of Australia’s shooting stars of surf life saving, Jemma Smith, has been awarded the inaugural Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship.
News • 05 Mar 2021
Upward trajectory continues for University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle has improved its rankings in the latest 2021 QS Subject rankings.
News • 02 Mar 2021
Students to strengthen Australia’s ties with Indo-Pacific through cultural immersion program
The University of Newcastle has been awarded $2.59m to provide students an opportunity to participate in innovative Indo-Pacific cultural experiences.
News • 01 Mar 2021
Call for aged care focus on domestic violence
Australian researchers have called for additional services for survivors of intimate partner violence – warning those who have these experiences are more vulnerable to elder abuse.
News • 26 Feb 2021
Drones to predict where water pipes are at risk of bursting
With leaking and burst water pipes costing water authorities and consumers time and money, as well as wasting a precious resource, researchers at the University of Newcastle are developing drone technology to help predict which areas, and even which specific pipes, are at risk of water loss.
News • 24 Feb 2021
Chief Justice recognises Newcastle's newest lawyers among best in the country
For the first time in 25 years, Newcastle was proud to welcome the Chief Justice and three of the state’s top judges to preside over the University’s annual admittance ceremony at City Hall this week, in which eligible graduates are formally confirmed as lawyers of the court.
News • 22 Feb 2021
Digital tool to dial back COVID-19 anxiety, depression and alcohol use
With more than a third of Australians now drinking alcohol daily, compared to 6 per cent pre-COVID-19, researchers are developing a digital tool to help communities manage the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
News • 18 Feb 2021
Scientists unlock potential to yield “diet” fruit
A new study has demystified sugar distribution in plants, paving the way to create low sugar or ‘diet’ fruits.
News • 15 Feb 2021
Back to Uni for Newcastle students and it’s ‘COVID new normal’
As part of Orientation or ‘O’ Week celebrations, the University of Newcastle will welcome new students to its campuses via a series of welcome addresses, campus tours, demonstrations and social gatherings, commencing today.
News • 08 Feb 2021
Drones reveal importance of sea cucumber poop in protecting coral reefs
A new way of measuring the volume of poop produced by sea cucumbers has alerted researchers to the essential role these sea creatures play in shaping and keeping the world’s coral reefs healthy.
News • 03 Feb 2021
'10 of the Best': Newcastle health and medical research in NHMRC showcase
Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has launched the 12th edition of 10 of the Best, showcasing significant projects that support the improvement of human health.
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.