Ideally we should be investing in research into nuclear fusion and the storage of (solar) power.
A lot is made about the environmetal damage of nuclear and fossil fuels but many if the renewables also have environmental impacts. Solar panels not only have the issue of bring made from toxic chemicals eg Sulphur Hexafluoride but also have damage caused by waste water from their production processes.
Tidal power is still in unknown territory regards environmental impact but there are concerns over the effect it has on the movement of endangered marine species not mention issues of silting.
Wind power has less perceived environmental impact than the likes of fossil fuels but there are still concerns over the visual impact as well as deaths to avian and chiropteran species.
Ultimately I think it comes down to having the correct balance in both of guaranteed power generation, cost, and environmental impact.
Unfortunately, what has happened in the past has been politically motivated decisions for first coal power, then nuclear power, then gas power - without having a balanced view.
Even the decision over Hinckley seems to have been made not on sensible justified grounds (and it quite easily can be) but purely for political expediency.