The problem as I see it is that the big oil and other energy companies are only interested in short time profit. CEO's make a profit show on the annual balance sheet bottom line, grab the golden handshake and stock option and get out before the roof falls in.
The technical ability to store energy is the root of the problem. Potential Energy from eons past is already stored in oil and natural gas deposits and the equipment needed to exploit it is already in place. If the reserves drop the old law of supply and demand will up the price and keep the profit flowing long enough to grab that executive bonus.
In order to properly plan for alternative energy to come on stream there is a lag factor of several to many years and it holds no attraction for those seeking short term results. Energy can be generated cheaply from wind, water, and sunlight but it is kinetic energy and it must be used right away. More expensive processes must be used to convert it to potential energy.
The technology to use hydrogen as an alternative pollution free fuel has been with us for many years. The development of fuel cell technology makes this even more efficient and it will eventually come to pass but...........
It is the big oil companies who control the storage and distribution of existing energy sources. They are making huge profit doing so and show little desire to put in place any expensive hydrogen distribution and storage system. Why would they as long as the millions and billions of dollars pour in? They exist to make a profit, not to provide a service that would require a subsidy.
Eventually government intervention will force alternatives but only in reaction to perceived crisis and it will probably result in even larger profit for those who refuse to use foresight now. Capitalism has failed the little guy badly in energy supply but he/she still votes in the Bush and Harper governments who keep kissing the oil executive arses. On and on it goes.............