If we really want lots of cheap power without dependence on foreign sources in a reasonable time without excessive cost -nuke plants, and lots of them, are the way to go.
Internal combustion will be with us for a long time, right now the turbo diesel is the most efficient form. The markets will decide what works best, you cannot legislate technology. Just look at California and their farcial demand for zero emmissions. People won't buy electric cars until they can compete in price and performance.