When it comes to alternate power, my bet is on Japan. If anthing gets invented as a new energy source the Japanese will put it to use. They are amazing people, see how far they came in only a 100 years into the idustrial revolution when some countries were still in the dark ages and still are.
They haven't invented anything that I know of except a controversial theory of quality control which some people would say is in the same category as this article. They pay attention, that's all.
No offense, but the Japs suck at "inventing". What are they are good at is taking other peoples inventions, and or technology and improving or changing it for their use. Even their language and writing was 'borrowed' from others, China and/or Korea IIRC.
The sole exception might be the Samurai Sword and how they made the steel (the finest weapon blades in the world). But even then 'steel' was invented by others.