World leaders in unconventional gas are set to descend on Brisbane in a few short weeks to discuss Australia’s unconventional gas potential.

A recently updated study by the US Energy Information Administration estimated just six of Australia’s shale gas and oil basins hold about 2046 trillion cubic feet of risked shale gas-in-place.

Another study by the Australian Council of Learned Academies estimated more than $500 million would be spent on shale gas exploration in Australia over the next two years – but also said it might not be enough to ensure the country took advantage of its resources.

Leading speakers include Swift Energy president Bruce Vincent, former BHP Billiton North America shale production president Richard Stoneburner and Magnum Hunter Resources president and chief executive officer Gary Evans.

Other speakers include Santos technical and engineering vice president Diana Hoff, Marcellus Shale Coalition CEO Kathryn Klaber and Halliburton Australia senior business development manager Billy Ray Smith.

The event will be held on August 27-29 at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre.