Leading figures from industry and government will aim to highlight barriers to development and present practical solutions, focusing on supply chain, planning and the social licence to operate.

"The science is increasingly clear that shale gas can be developed safely with strong regulation and high production standards but it is also clear that the legitimate concerns of local communities have not yet been met," All-Party Parliamentary Group on

Unconventional Oil and Gas chair Dan Byles said before the conference.

"It is more important than ever to continue with a rational and evidence based discussion to ensure that the UK takes the right path that enshrines the highest standards of engineering and of community engagement."

The UK imports more than 50% of its gas, most of it coming from Norway and the Middle East, reaping no domestic tax rewards.

With the prospect of profitable shale at home, the UK government will be imposing a 62% tax, with each site also expected to deliver between £5 million ($A9 million) and £10 million worth of community benefits.

"The next three years are absolutely crucial for developing shale gas as a secure energy resource," UK Onshore Operators Group CEO Ken Cronin said.

"We have a real opportunity in this country to produce our own gas in a properly regulated manner rather than take imports from other countries, which may not have such high standards and will effectively sell to the highest bidder."

Other speakers have referenced lessons learned from the UK's offshore oil and gas industry.

"Onshore natural gas and oil can make a substantial positive contribution to the energy security and economic wellbeing of this country," Oil & Gas UK CEO Malcolm Webb said.

"However, we need to recognise that it is a nascent industry which needs careful support and encouragement.

"The huge gas and oil fields we found on the UK Continental Shelf were able to withstand the vagaries of UK government policy and industry behaviours.

"Recent growing awareness of the need for different behaviours as long-term perspectives for the UK offshore industry offer a lesson for the onshore sector."

The conference will also play host to large oil and gas service companies such as Halliburton and Schlumberger, which will showcase new technologies supporting shale extraction.