The labor pool in Lancashire is ready to usher in the new era of British shale natural gas, the top executive at shale pioneer Cuadrilla Resources said.

Cuadrilla Resources Chief Executive Officer Francis Egan spoke of the benefits of the fledgling shale natural gas industry in the country. While gas reserves may be vast, exploiting them presents what he said may be a significant engineering and social challenge.

"Having seen the talent that is being nurtured in Lancashire's schools, I am confident that our young engineers will rise confidently to address those challenges," he said.

The British Geological Survey in 2013 estimated shale basins in the country may hold more than 1.3 quadrillion cubic feet of natural gas, a level the government said could help an economy with natural gas imports on pace to increase from 45 percent of demand in 2011 to 76 percent by 2030.

Opposition has grown around the emerging shale industry, with protests against Cuadrilla in the southern British of Balcombe turning unruly.

Cuadrilla in June deposited 21 chapters of environmental studies with the Lancashire County Council associated with plans for up to four shale gas exploration wells. The council last month said it needed more time to consider the drilling plans.