Abbas Basafa made the remarks during Research and Technology Week, stressing the urgency of implementing AI projects in energy management and distribution to align with global advancements in industrial infrastructure.

Basafa explained that NIORDC has established an AI Steering and Policy Committee after identifying and interviewing AI experts within the organization. This committee has developed and issued a strategic roadmap, in collaboration with the structural engineering management team, to guide AI project execution.

"The strategic roadmap aims to design programs, projects, and development initiatives in AI. By analyzing past data, we can optimize the present and forecast the industry's future, driving progress," Basafa said.

Employee training, AI learning roadmap

To equip employees with AI skills, a comprehensive training and development program has been prepared. The AI Learning Roadmap includes general, specialized, and managerial training modules. Collaboration with HR management has ensured that the necessary arrangements for these sessions are underway.

Basafa also highlighted the formation of AI committees in subsidiary companies, describing them as essential for operationalizing AI initiatives.

He went on to say that 10 such committees have been established in subsidiaries of NIORDC, tasked with reviewing and prioritizing AI projects relevant to their operations, adding that approved projects are submitted to the central AI Steering and Policy Committee for final authorization and implementation.

Educational seminars on AI applications

As part of its training and culture-building efforts, NIORDC has organized seminars involving leading academics, tech companies, and AI experts, the official said explaining that topics included AI applications in energy distribution management, project management, and downstream industry design.

According to Basafa, among the events were:

- A seminar by NIORDC on AI in energy distribution management.

- Sessions by the National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company on AI's role in downstream industry design and project management.

- A conference by the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company on AI-driven innovations in fuel supply.

- A workshop by the Persian Gulf Star Oil Company focused on digital transformation, AI, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and image processing.

Specialized workshops have also been conducted for staff in various departments to explore AI’s technical dimensions, with sessions already held for HR and operations management.

Data monitoring, AI-driven transparency

NIORDC has launched a data monitoring and analysis center to enhance transparency across the supply chain, from production to distribution, he stated, noting that the center provides real-time insights into operations, including crude oil delivery to refineries, product transfer, storage, and fuel distribution. “AI technology is leveraged to analyze this data, improving the company’s supply chain visibility.”

AI website launch

Basafa announced the launch of a dedicated AI webpage on NIORDC's intranet and public website. The platforms feature news, events, educational materials, research articles, and technology needs in AI. Employees and external researchers can access the site at (http://portal.niordc.ir), or submit research papers via ai-dabirkhaneh@niordc.ir.

These initiatives underscore NIORDC's commitment to leveraging AI for innovation and operational excellence in the oil and gas sector.