In RL, the late Dr. Bussard's polywell fusor which is on incarnation number 8 at present and funded by the Navy. It will use Boron 11 as its primary fuel source and is thought to have a reactor footprint equal to three buses.
TDP (Thermal Depolymerization) is another technology that was able to transform sewage, plastics, and other biomass into hydrocarbons. There was a smell factor from the plant but I doubt that would hinder the financially motivated though. Here is the catch though, there simply isn't enough of the raw material to offset our current fuel requirements.
Electric is going to be far more prevalent and with the advancements with carbon nanotubes being utilized in battery development we will have plenty of power to move along. I believe it is scientists at MIT are working on a battery incorporating carbon nanotubes that would provide the power that the 900 lbs. litium battery used to power the Tesla Roadster reduced down to 9 lbs. If they are right, that, sort of shift of power to weight ratio would make high speed (and high torque) electric motors the best mode of transportation around.
The other bit about carbon nanotubes is the rumbling that multiple scientists have done tests showing it has room temperature superconductor capabilities. Increase battery power and increase electric motor performance...seems to me that carbon nanotubes (aka graphene) is going to be the ticket.
Solar film has been another area where research has exceeded expectations in efficiency and production costs. Solar films are reaching levels of traditional silcon wafer cells.
All in all, I do believe in RL our energy problems are going to be sorted out. Deep sea carbon sequestration should serve to reverse atmospheric CO2 levels. Not very dystopian mind you...but I have high hopes.
