A shale gas extraction system includes a gas storage container configured to store gas, a heater in gaseous communication with the gas storage container, and a pump in gaseous communication with the gas storage container. The method includes extracting the shale gas from a layer of shale material, which includes the steps of heating a gas to predetermined temperature, pressurizing the gas to a predetermined pressure, driving the gas to the layer of shale material, and heating the shale gas with the gas.