Potential investors in energy technologies would do well to get their minds off big-ticket items like power stations, and think more about what happens at the other end of the power-line, according to researcher Professor Geoff Smith.

A researcher in Materials Technology, Professor Smith argues that primary energy sources, such as nuclear or coal-fired power stations and large-scale solar / thermal plants are not the best value for money for investors.

He said that in a global market where demand for energy is predicted to double or triple by 2050, the highest returns are almost certain to come from small-scale energy sources and energy-saving products, such as small, highly efficient motors based on rare earth magnets.

"It goes against common sense for businesses to invest in small rather than large-scale projects," said Professor Smith. "However, the dominant influence on the energy market of the future will be the millions of consumers around the world rather than a select group of power utility managers.

"For Australian businesses to benefit from these high-growth markets, they must invest now in the research that is needed to realise these products."

The Materials Technology Research group is conducting research into a unique plastic which can be used to pipe daylight into dark buildings, reducing the use of electricity for lighting. They are also finding ways to improve solar conversion in thermal collectors and solar cells. The latter research has been inspired by the surface structure of some insects' eyes that are highly efficient at capturing light, even when it shines on them at an oblique angle.