The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle and the CSIRO have joined forces to establish a dynamic energy innovation precinct of global standing.

The collaboration, which has already yielded innovations such as solar paint - a low cost, sustainable home energy solution, will contribute to national and international large-scale energy research.

Formalising the working relationship between CSIRO and the University of Newcastle will see both organisations identify strategic opportunities to embark on joint research projects, exchange skills, offer training opportunities for researchers and combine forces to bring national and international projects to the region.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen said the collaboration would increase research momentum vital for Australia’s future economic prosperity and sustainability.

“Addressing Australia’s challenges in energy productivity and efficiency will require large-scale capability, collaboration between partners and a multi-disciplinary approach,” Professor McMillen said. “Transformational change requires the collaborative efforts of many and this partnership not only provides a model for shared infrastructure, it pulls together the strengths of both organisations in energy research.”

CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark, said the creation of an energy hub at Newcastle that addresses the full suite of energy options for Australia will assist in future decisions.

“This partnership builds on both organisations’ strengths and science skills and will help us make an even more significant contribution to the way our country uses and manages energy in the future,” Dr Clark said.

“CSIRO established our national energy research headquarters in Newcastle in 2003 and we believe the region has a significant role to play in leading the deployment of innovative energy technologies for Australia. The collaboration with NIER only strengthens that belief.”