Geothermal energy could be harnessed to produce a huge amount of electricity, but there are many factors to be considered when undertaking geothermal green energy projects. Experts in the field recently discussed these issues at the inaugural National Geothermal Summit.

The summit was held in Reno, Nevada - prime territory for geothermal energy. One geothermal plant is already being built about 100 miles north of Reno, and there are plans for 80 more throughout the state, according to KTVN, Reno's CBS affiliate.

Reno mayor Bob Cashell told KTVN that green energy developers are flocking to the region not only because of its significant stores of geothermal energy, but because Nevada's tax laws are business-friendly.

While tax breaks might attract private energy companies to the state, industry professionals told the Reno News & Review more financial incentives, such as tax credits and loan programs, are needed to grow geothermal energy production.

Private enterprises are funding geothermal transmission lines, but this might not be a viable system. Government regulation might be necessary to streamline transmission, according to the News & Review.

While there are some challenges to be addressed, there is little doubt that the rewards for solving these issues is great. With an estimated 3,000 megawatts of geothermal energy beneath Nevada's desertscape, this green energy could practically power the whole state, the source reports.

If they're looking for inspiration, geothermal activists in Nevada need only look across the border to California. Geothermal power accounts for more than twice the energy output of solar and wind in the Golden State, according to an NPR report.