Im one job away from level 88, and im currently working on the Zero Point Energy (1/4 done) to get to the next energy charge time decreasing module, Getting closer by 765 RP per hour.

This is just my opinion, but if you have open planet/colony slots and don't have any more planets in your scan list that you want to colonize, I'd research sensors so you can do a scanning blitz and hopefully get some better planets. Then, with increased RP production from your new planets you can research energy and defenses faster.

I can confirm that 16K does give you the mass ice melter (got 2 recently) and 20k does give you the mass storage pod (just got one). I've not seen anything between those numbers so far.