The country that develops the next CHEAP source of energy will become the most powerful country in the world. Coal controlled all. Then oil controlled all. Then cheap manpower/labor controlled all.
     Sun power is the ultimate renewable energy, but so far silicon is only about 9% efficient in turning it into electricity. Wind power is more developed. All electricity producing renewable energy sources need a better grid for distribution and better storage such as better batteries. I understand that an oil company holds the patents on the best battery so far invented, and their patent doesn't run out until 2010, at which time they may be able to hide it in other ways.
   And do we need to limit our quest to going through electricity? Coal and oil go directly to engines. Why not renewable energy? Or possibly a new way of transporting or storing energy.
    The energy field is wide open and needs a project like our outer space  project to make it take off.