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 • 02 Dec 2020
Major milestone for Honeysuckle campus as sustainable build “tops out”
The University of Newcastle’s first stage of its Honeysuckle City campus hit a major milestone today with the Stage 1A building ‘topping out’ and on track to be the first 6-star Green Star building for sustainable development in regional NSW.
News • 01 Dec 2020
Online showcase: Engineering and computing students debut innovative projects
From a soft robot manta ray designed to explore the Great Barrier Reef without harming coral; to a prosthetic arm controlled by the mind; and a contender for the world’s fastest boat – The Art of Problem Solving 2020 exhibition showcases an impressive spread of engineering and computing projects fro
News • 01 Dec 2020
BMG and University of Newcastle to launch Australian-first Indigenous scholarship program to inspire a new generation of music executives
Global music company BMG has expanded on its successful partnership with the University of Newcastle’s School of Creative Industries in the Faculty of Education and Arts to launch its first round of Indigenous scholarships, creating more pathways to employment for the next generation of students.
News • 30 Nov 2020
International recognition for University’s green initiatives
The University of Newcastle has been awarded three of the eight 2020 Australasian ‘Green Gown Awards’ in the categories of Climate Action, Benefiting Society and Student Engagement.
News • 26 Nov 2020
University of Newcastle and ARTC on track to boost STEM participation in regional communities
More than 7500 high school students in regional areas are set to benefit from a unique STEM partnership announced today between the Inland Rail Skills Academy and the University of Newcastle.
News • 25 Nov 2020
Family and friends online support program expands to cover all addictions
An online intervention and e-health program to help families and friends supporting loved ones who use crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) has expanded to cover any type of substance addiction, including alcohol.
News • 24 Nov 2020
Alliance of four universities to deliver game changer in education
The University of Newcastle, UNSW Sydney and the University of Wollongong – acting together as the ‘NUW Alliance’ – last night announced Western Sydney University would be joining the Alliance as a joint venture partner to together lead a new approach to collaborative education and research.
News • 23 Nov 2020
Four Newcastle researchers selected for funding boost
University of Newcastle researchers have received more than $1.6m in grants from the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Early Career Researcher …
News • 23 Nov 2020
New study: How risk perception affects our behaviour in a pandemic
A new study, released in Scientific Reports in Nature, found behavioural responses to pandemics are more shaped by perceived risk than actual mortality or hospitalisation risk.
News • 23 Nov 2020
University of Newcastle signs agreement with Kaplan Higher Education to develop international pathway college
The University of Newcastle has signed an agreement with Kaplan Higher Education to develop an international pathway college set to prepare new cohorts of international students from 2021.
News • 20 Nov 2020
COVID-19 face shield team wins AFR Higher Education Award
The University of Newcastle‘s ‘COVID-19 equipment shortage’ team has won a national higher education award for its remarkable contribution to the Australian community.
News • 20 Nov 2020
EVENT: Newcastle turns orange to challenge violence against women
Civic Park and the University of Newcastle’s NUspace building will light up orange on 25 November as Novocastrians join the international community to confront violence against women in our communities.
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.