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 • 26 Aug 2020
Silver lining for COVID-19 affected HSC students
In a year that delivered sudden and dramatic disruption for students at all levels, local year 12 and University of Newcastle students have found a silver lining, participating in a clever initiative aimed at reversing COVID-19 chaos.
News • 26 Aug 2020
Predicting the lifespan of metallic left-overs in the ocean
Steel pipes, sunken ships, discarded weaponry and other decommissioned infrastructure corroding on the ocean floor are the subject of a new research project at the University of Newcastle.
News • 26 Aug 2020
First look inside Central Coast’s future of health education and clinical research
Take a sneak peek into the new $72.5 million Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) and University of Newcastle Central Coast …
News • 24 Aug 2020
Survey seeks answers to understand our energy future
What does Australia’s energy future look like? What do Australians want it to look like?
News • 20 Aug 2020
Science in Practice 2020
Science in Practice is a one-day event hosted by the University of Newcastle's Faculty of Science to coincide with Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, National Science Week.
News • 17 Aug 2020
Launch of Newcastle Geotrail to celebrate National Science Week
The amazing geology of Newcastle’s coastline is on display for science enthusiasts and nature lovers through the launch of a new digital geotrail during National Science Week.
News • 14 Aug 2020
University of Newcastle says farewell and congratulations to Professor Kevin Hall
The University of Newcastle takes pride in announcing today that Professor Kevin Hall, will be leaving the University in November …
News • 14 Aug 2020
Recognising the hazardous effects of ‘pre-loading’ with alcohol
Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) has revealed the significant risks associated with pre-loading with alcohol.
News • 12 Aug 2020
Newcastle cancer researcher recognised as Young Tall Poppy
Esteemed cancer researcher and charity advocate, Dr Matthew Dun, has been acknowledged for his dedication to improving cancer survival outcomes, with a 2020 ‘Young Tall Poppy’ science award.
News • 11 Aug 2020
The benefits of speaking in an Aboriginal Language
By Dr Raymond Kelly, Deputy Head of the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute.
News • 11 Aug 2020
End to University negotiations aimed at achieving savings
The University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, has today advised staff that the University has been unable to reach …
News • 11 Aug 2020
New film captures historical story of Scott Sisters of Ash Island
Harriet and Helena Scott worked and grew up during the 1840s-1860s on Ash Island, which is now part of Kooragang Island, learning to be scientific illustrators.
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.