He first needs to tell himself on what level he is constructing him machine. If on that of classical physics, his project is hopeless. If not convinced, he should at least teach himself more classical physics.
If on that of quantum or future physics, it is too subtle for now, and most likely unnecessary for the future since we shouldn't need infinite energy then. Demanding a wild amount of energy is already a sign of the coarseness of civilization as it is the case now.