SDG 07 Affordable and Clean Energy

2025 Report

Research and Innovation

University of Newcastle partners with Google to advance clean energy in Australia

The University of Newcastle, in collaboration with Google and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), is pioneering geothermal energy development in Australia. As part of Google’s $1 billion carbon-free by 2030 initiative, the project explores the feasibility, costs, and potential sites for geothermal energy production, a largely untapped clean energy source in Australia.

Led by Associate Professor Dr Elham Doroodchi, and supported by partners Solution Energy and Program Innerspace, the research aims to provide innovative, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Professor Alan Broadfoot of NIER emphasises that the partnership reflects the University’s commitment to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy futures.

Associate Professor Elham Doroodchi is leading the project.

University-produced solar panels power Coldplay tour

The University of Newcastle’s Centre for Organic Electronics, in collaboration with Kardinia Energy, has partnered with internationally-recognised band Coldplay to produce 500 square metres of portable printed solar panels. Produced with the support of the University of Newcastle’s Australian National Fabrication Facility Hub and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, the team transform recycled PET plastics into portable solar panels to power the band’s shows across Australia.

Coldplay approached the University of Newcastle to help reduce their emissions during their tour. Following breakthroughs in portable solar panels, the University’s teams created power sources. Fixed to the back of stadium seats, the collaboration has been estimated to have assisted in generating 17kWh of energy alongside other clean energy projects. The pilot program of the panels has cemented their scalability, with NIER confident that the program can be used in mass-production for industrial usage, residential and commercial rooftops, and emergency situations. Further collaboration is stimulated by support from the University’s Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program. Future production of thousands of metres of printed solar panels will revolutionise solar energy capture, ensuring greater adaptability, convenience, and accessibility for renewable potential

Members of the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Organic Electronics, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, TRaCE, and Kardinia Energy backstage at a Sydney Coldplay concert with the printed solar panels.

Teaching and Learning

National TRaCE Showcase highlights Hunter clean energy innovations

The University of Newcastle, in partnership with the University of New South Wales, showcased sustainable inventions from the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program to 150 government, business, and research representatives.

Federal MP Sharon Claydon unveiled the Modern Manufacturing Workshop and the Advanced Prototyping Facility at the University’s Callaghan campus, designed to accelerate clean energy and circular economy technologies. These facilities aim to create jobs, reduce emissions, and support commercialisation of student- and industry-led innovations, cementing the University’s legacy in advancing sustainable energy in the Hunter region.

(L-R) Director of NIER, Professor Alan Broadfoot; Federal Member for Newcastle Ms Sharon Claydon MP; Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the UNSW Professor Bronwyn Fox; University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO.

Operations

Future Industries Facility to drive clean energy innovation

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $20.7 million investment in the University of Newcastle’s Future Industries Facility, creating a hub for clean energy innovation.

Bringing together businesses, students, researchers, and the community, the facility is expected to generate up to 140 jobs and $160 million in annual investment.

Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky highlighted the Facility’s role in advancing innovation, decarbonised energy, and scalable skills. With 1,250 and 1,500 square metre spaces, up to 16 industry partners can simultaneously test and demonstrate clean energy solutions, turning theoretical science into practical impact.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Defence Industries Pat Conroy, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Chancellor Patricia Forsythe, Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky, and members of the University of Newcastle faculty at the announcement of the Future Industries Facility.

NAIHE Singapore Clean Energy Symposium unites Asia-Pacific innovators

In September 2025, the Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education (NAIHE) hosted the Clean Energy Symposium, bringing together academics and researchers to explore low-carbon energy solutions. The event included the Joint Energy Symposium, co-hosted with the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), TRaCE, and Singapore’s A*Star, where researchers exchanged ideas on cutting-edge clean energy developments.

It also featured the Clean Energy Symposium, part of the University’s 60th anniversary, in partnership with Singapore’s Centre for Hydrogen University, with expert panels discussing clean fuels in hard-to-abate sectors and integrating renewable energy at scale. The symposium underscores the University of Newcastle’s commitment to renewable energy innovation and shaping a sustainable Asia-Pacific energy future.

Dr Jessica Allen and Pierre Gouhier led two expert panels exploring clean fuels in hard-to-abate sectors and modernising electricity provision through integrating renewable energy at scale.

(L-R) Dr Jessica Allen [moderator], Prof Behdad Moghtaderi, University of Newcastle’s Chancellor Patricia Forsythe, Dr Haoxin Xu, A/Prof Salim Shaik, Prof Zhao