Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company has been operational since 1988, processing gas from the Nar and Kangan fields located in the Jam and Riz areas in Bushehr Province. Initially designed to process 85 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, the refinery’s capacity was increased in 2000 to 110 mcm per day through a capacity expansion project. Due to its strategic location, the refinery plays a vital role in managing production fluctuations, ensuring the stability of energy flows, and meeting both industrial and household consumption needs. Its multiple transmission lines, high production capacity, and resilient processes enable uninterrupted operations even during major maintenance periods.

Precise coordination between technical and operational teams, preventive maintenance planning, and reliance on domestic expertise have made this refinery a model of professionalism, experience, and workforce dedication. As the cold season approaches—when gas supply stability becomes even more crucial—a closer look at the performance and plans of Fajr Jam Gas Refinery reveals its central role in Iran’s energy security. Today, the refinery prioritizes resilience, production stability, and reliability enhancement over merely expanding nominal capacity.

In an interview with SHANA, Hamid Khedari, caretaker of Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company, discussed the refinery’s latest operations, technical achievements, and development plans.

He stated: “One of the most important actions following the incident at the refinery during the 12-day conflict was returning the undamaged sweetening units to production—completed in less than 30 hours—which restored the refinery to full operational status. For those familiar with refinery operations, this demonstrates the technical expertise and full readiness of our engineering and operations teams.”
 

What is Fajr Jam’s role in ensuring gas supply and energy stability nationwide?

Fajr Jam has been one of the country’s most vital energy suppliers for decades. Following its 2000 capacity expansion, the refinery’s total processing capacity reached 110 million cubic meters per day, making it a key contributor to the stability and reliability of the national gas network.

Is capacity expansion currently on the refinery’s agenda?

Given its exceptionally high reliability and availability indices, no capacity increase beyond current standards is currently envisioned. The refinery’s main strategy centers on resilience and production stability, rather than boosting nominal capacity.

However, several initiatives are underway to reinforce the stability of gas flow, including:

Utilizing a 20-inch feed line from South Pars;

Concurrent use of a 42-inch line for managing South Pars gas fluctuations;

Employing another 20-inch line for initial production to enhance operational flexibility.

Additionally, close coordination with upstream centers—particularly the Nar and Kangan oil and gas production sites—is essential for maintaining stable flow during liquid holdup events. Overall, the refinery’s core focus remains on resilience, reliability, and stable production.

What are the main challenges in maintaining and enhancing production?

Two primary challenges exist:

1. Retaining skilled and experienced personnel, who are the refinery’s most valuable asset—achieved through motivational and support programs to prevent workforce attrition.

2. Ensuring the resilience of the supply chain for consumables and chemicals—addressed through diversification of supply sources, reliance on domestic capabilities, and establishing strategic reserves.

Thanks to these measures, the refinery expects to sustain and even strengthen production capacity this year.

How are major maintenance programs managed, and what impact do they have on production?

The refinery’s annual overhaul program began in early May and was completed as scheduled, ensuring full readiness for the winter season. Operational planning was carried out so that maintenance activities did not disrupt production commitments. The refinery maintains the capability to perform overhauls and sustain production simultaneously, in line with assigned capacities and obligations.

What products does the refinery currently produce?

In addition to injecting 65 million cubic meters of gas per day into the national grid, the refinery also produces by-products such as LPG and gas condensates. Daily production includes approximately 80 tons of LPG and 10,000 barrels of condensates, which are exported. The main focus is on improving production processes and efficiency to ensure a stable energy flow and prepare for future product diversification.

What plans are in place to enhance production capacity and long-term energy security?

One major achievement has been the recommissioning of Sweetening Unit No. 6, which had been offline for nearly two years due to repair challenges. Despite material and equipment shortages, the team successfully restored it during the overhaul period. This restart has played a crucial role in stabilizing production and ensuring continuous national gas supply, forming part of the refinery’s post-war recovery and capacity restoration plan.

Another ongoing project is the reconstruction of the second sweetening train, which was damaged during the 12-day conflict and is progressing well, expected to be completed according to schedule.

What key achievements has the refinery accomplished over the past year, especially during the 12-day conflict?

A major achievement was rapidly restoring the operational sweetening units within 30 hours after the incident—demonstrating the refinery teams’ technical skill and readiness. Another significant accomplishment was the swift containment of the fire in sweetening units 1 and 2, which prevented its spread and averted a major operational crisis, thereby safeguarding national energy security.

In addition, the refinery’s gas production exceeded assigned targets by 10%, and LPG output reached over 22,000 tons, surpassing commitments by more than 10%. The annual overhaul of sweetening trains was also completed successfully and accident-free.

What are the refinery’s operational strategies for maintaining stable gas supply during the high-demand winter months?

The role of refineries is to maintain high reliability, and Fajr Jam has achieved 99.8% reliability in energy supply. The goal is to sustain this figure again this year, helping to prevent energy fluctuations nationwide.

In addition to processing gas from Nar and Kangan fields, Fajr Jam also plays a critical role in balancing fluctuations and managing unplanned shutdowns at the South Pars complex. Previously, the refinery received up to 35 million cubic meters of gas from South Pars, significantly contributing to the nation’s uninterrupted energy supply.

How does Fajr Jam contribute to regional economic development and employment?

Fajr Jam actively implements social responsibility and sustainable development projects in the region. One of the most important is the Baghan Dam, which plays a vital role in providing water for both local communities and the refinery.

The expansion of the Tohid Jam Township Hospital—including emergency, surgery, and operating units—is about 70% complete and expected to open in the coming months. The refinery is also collaborating with provincial authorities to improve and expand local road infrastructure between the refinery and Jam City.

Collectively, these efforts foster economic growth and stable employment in the region. Additionally, many procurement and service contracts are sourced locally to further support the regional economy.