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 Sep 2018
Passport to success, engaging international students
Recognised for its outstanding support of international students, a University of Newcastle initiative has won the NSW International Student Award for community engagement in the education provider category.
News • 26 Sep 2018
Engineering a mechatronics career music to Alex’s ears
A love of technology and a passion for music has launched Alex Fairclough on an exciting trajectory.
News • 26 Sep 2018
Partnership with Cubic Defence to support career pathways
Cubic Defence Australia is partnering with the University of Newcastle on training and career pathways for simulation.
News • 26 Sep 2018
A sustainable career change for Disaster Resilience graduate
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News • 20 Sep 2018
Local expertise on display at health showcase
The University of Newcastle (UON) is proud to present the Port Macquarie Health Showcase this Friday, an event bringing together the local healthcare community and leading experts in the fields of health and medicine.
News • 20 Sep 2018
Research packs positive messages for lunchbox health
Parents and carers of Hunter school children will have a helping hand in the kitchen to create healthier lunchboxes, with the support of a University of Newcastle research project.
News • 19 Sep 2018
How Hunter wine producers changed Australian drinking culture
A new book has revealed the changing historical conditions and many personalities that have helped shaped the Hunter Valley region, and Australia's drinking culture, over the past two centuries.
News • 18 Sep 2018
Putting science on the political agenda
Associate Professor Peter Howley, has been named as one of ten inaugural ambassadors who will help strengthen the understanding and importance of STEM at a federal level.
News • 17 Sep 2018
Rise to the top – alumnus joins the Academy
University of Newcastle alumnus, Yasser Hamed, has risen to the top of his field in film animation, joining the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science.
News • 13 Sep 2018
Creativity the key to unlocking new ideas
The University's Enterprise + Innovation 2018 event is taking place throughout September to inspire original ideas and new perspectives among staff and students.
News • 12 Sep 2018
Teen back pain linked to substance use
New research has revealed adolescents with frequent back pain are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and report feelings of anxiety and depression.
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.