NSW Funds Printed Solar Tech Used in Coldplay Tour
A company based in Newcastle, known for its innovative printed solar panels that have been utilised during Coldplay’s world tour, is among 13 projects awarded a portion of over $26 million in funding from the New South Wales government.
The state’s Labor government announced on Tuesday that this funding aims to “drive the next wave of emissions reduction technologies,” which promise both environmental and economic advantages for the region.
Supporting Clean Technology Innovation
The newly established Clean Technology Innovation grants will bolster 13 projects throughout New South Wales as they transition from research phases to commercial enterprises.
Among the recipients is Kardinia Energy, which is set to establish the world’s first commercial manufacturing facility for its ‘Printed Solar’ technology. This organic solar solution diverges from conventional solar panels that rely on silicon; instead, it employs carbon-based semi-conducting polymers printed onto recyclable PET plastic. These materials are not only abundant but also eliminate the need for energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Real-World Application with Coldplay
Printed Solar is more than just a theoretical concept; it has been actively deployed during Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour. The solar panels are strategically placed in seating areas behind the stage and throughout various venues, capturing energy in battery packs that power different elements of the concerts.
As of now, Printed Solar has been implemented in 21 venues across 19 countries during the tour, with the latest installation at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium.
“We are excited to support Coldplay’s sustainability initiatives by providing a solar energy solution tailored for their global tour,” remarked Anthony Letmon, CEO of Kardinia Energy, during the partnership launch with the band last year. “Our capability to produce lightweight, mobile, and flexible solar energy that is entirely sustainable and has a minimal environmental impact resonated with the band’s sustainability goals.”
Funding and Other Innovative Projects
Kardinia Energy has received $2,255,000 from the NSW Clean Technology Innovation grants to establish its pioneering manufacturing facility for Printed Solar. Other projects that received funding include a cleaner lithium extraction method for batteries, an underwater robotic hull cleaner designed to reduce ship emissions and fuel consumption, a drag-reducing adhesive film for aircraft, and a project that converts farm waste into green hydrogen and ammonia using innovative on-farm technology.
The grants, which range from $400,000 to $5 million per project, have collectively attracted an additional $46.9 million in private investment.
Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, stated, “The Minns Labor Government is investing in new technologies, jobs, and industries that will facilitate our state’s transition to a low-carbon economy, while also creating new employment opportunities as we tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.”
This investment is expected to help these projects evolve into practical, real-world solutions for emissions reduction, while also fostering innovation, investment, and job creation.
A comprehensive list of all the projects awarded funding can be found through the relevant government channels.
