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 Mar 2018
From City of Steel to Global Innovation Hub
The insights, deliberations and reflections of global thought leaders brought together by the 2016 Univer-Cities conference, hosted by the University of Newcastle, have been documented in a book, to be launched tonight.
News • 26 Mar 2018
NeW Space builds on success with top architecture gong
The University of Newcastle’s (UON) flagship City campus has taken out the top prize at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2018 Newcastle Architecture Awards, held on Friday 23 March.
News • 23 Mar 2018
justiceINjustice: A collaboration between artists and lawyers
justiceINjustice is a unique collaborative exhibition featuring seven contemporary Australian artists and three lawyers, including two law academics who are integral to the University of Newcastle Legal Centre.
News • 23 Mar 2018
University of Newcastle welcomes its first American Fulbright Scholars
In an historic first, under a partnership agreement with Australian-American Fulbright Commission, the University of Newcastle will officially welcome three American Fulbright Scholars this week.
News • 23 Mar 2018
Easter Show Forum: a coalition for action to reduce rural suicide rates
The University of Newcastle’s Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) will meet with key community partners to determine …
News • 21 Mar 2018
Indigenous language link reveals common ancestor
New research has found a ground-breaking link between Australian Indigenous languages, demonstrating for the first time that all Indigenous languages descend from one common ancestor
News • 19 Mar 2018
Cyclical nature of flooding could land Australia in deep water
New research from the University of Newcastle (UON) has found further evidence to support the notion that severe flooding events occur cyclically, challenging the widely accepted assumption that floods occur randomly
News • 15 Mar 2018
UON research reveals benefits of effective complaints handling
University of Newcastle research has revealed that every dollar invested in complaints handling has potential returns of investment of up to $10 for a business.
News • 13 Mar 2018
Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin awarded international honour
University of Newcastle Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin has been awarded the prestigious Antoine M. Gaudin Award, which recognises scientific or engineering contributions that further understanding of the technology of mineral processing.
News • 12 Mar 2018
Accelerated carbonation experts convene in Newcastle
Two world-leading chemical engineers from the University of Newcastle will chair a major international conference in Newcastle next week, which will focus on the future of accelerated carbonation.
News • 12 Mar 2018
University of Newcastle establishes first Doctoral Training Centre
The University of Newcastle has today launched its inaugural Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) focused on supporting the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.
News • 07 Mar 2018
Accelerating research into practice
Three pioneering teams from the University of Newcastle (UON) have been accepted into CSIRO’s ON Prime 4 pre-accelerator program
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.