Iran pioneers AI in oil industry with first WRFM center launch
The Iranian oil sector is embracing AI technology with the launch of its first WRFM center, which aims to optimize real-time management of wells, reservoirs, and surface facilities using advanced analytics, according to senior government officials.
The WRFM center, unveiled by Hossein Afshin, vice president for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, represents a significant leap in digitizing Iran’s oil industry. Speaking at the launch event, Afshin announced that the nation’s first AI-powered oil well is set to debut next year at the Sepehr and Jofeir oil fields.
“This project sets the stage for integrating AI into the oil sector, with our first smart refinery under development in Qeshm,” ISNA news agency cited Afshin as saying.
WRFM, an integrated approach to managing oil and gas fields, focuses on optimizing operations in three key areas: well management, reservoir management, and facilities management. It combines real-time data and advanced technologies such as AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. By monitoring well performance, predicting reservoir behavior, and maintaining surface infrastructure, WRFM systems streamline operations, reduce downtime, and ensure sustainable production.
The WRFM center is designed to enhance real-time operations across oil wells, reservoirs, and surface facilities, leveraging advanced sensors, data management systems, and AI-powered analytics. The center, developed entirely with domestic expertise, contrasts with similar projects in neighboring countries that rely on international firms.
Afshin highlighted the project’s strategic importance, stating that “reaching artificial intelligence requires achieving business intelligence first. In one year, AI capabilities will be added to this center to provide advanced solutions.”
He further commended Pasargad Exploration and Production Company for spearheading the initiative, describing the project as a breakthrough. The company’s involvement, he noted, paves the way for other firms to follow suit, with the nation’s first smart refinery also under their leadership.
The WRFM center’s first phase, built with a $10 million investment, uses cutting-edge technology to monitor, transfer, and analyze data, enabling synchronized and real-time management of operations. To complete the subsequent phases, an additional $5 million is required, which the government and stakeholders aim to secure within the next year.
Reiterating the long-term vision for AI integration, Afshin stated, “Machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics will transform processes, offering precise predictions, increased automation, and reduced costs and risks.”
The WRFM system aims to elevate Iran’s oil and gas operations to global standards. Combining well, reservoir, and facilities management, the center ensures operational efficiency by utilizing real-time data for informed decision-making.
The initiative is seen as a critical step toward practical digital transformation in upstream oilfield management. With advanced tools and AI-driven insights, it sets a benchmark for innovation and efficiency in Iran’s oil industry, potentially serving as a model for other sectors.
Afshin said, “This investment isn’t just an expenditure — it’s a leap into a smarter, more efficient future for our oil sector, promising significant progress and global competitiveness.”
Booting oil production
Speaking at the ceremony, the CEO of Pasargad Exploration and Production Company announced that oil production from the Sepehr and Jofeir fields has surpassed 50,000 barrels per day, with hopes of achieving an additional 30,000 barrels per day increase next year.
Ahmad Mohammadi noted that the WRFM center was established and operationalized in under a year through proper planning.
“With this center, we can monitor well and reservoir data online. The oil industry must embrace real-time data monitoring for decision-making,” he said.
Mohammadi emphasized that the initial development plan for the Sepehr and Jofeir fields was production-focused.
“In the first phase, we aimed for a daily output of 36,000 barrels from these fields, but production has reached around 40,000 barrels per day. Currently, production from the Sepehr and Jofeir fields exceeds 50,000 barrels per day,” he stated.
He added, “In developing fields, we must achieve the target production increase, which requires an investment of $15 to $25 million for every additional barrel produced.”
Mohammadi further noted that with a 30,000-barrel-per-day increase next year, it would be possible to complete the second phase of the Sepehr and Jofeir field development two years ahead of schedule, boosting production capacity to 110,000 barrels per day.