Here is an article from the WSJ about the problems with alternative energy systems. People have been working on the alternative energy problem since the 1970's. Not much supply has reached the market because all alternative energy sources are more expensive the the traditional systems, even given government subsidies. Energy demand in the US will grow by 20% by 2030 just due to population increases. Alternative supplies will probably not even meet that increase, so we are still going to need fossil fuels and more nuclear plants:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121797838304214973.html