Kazakhstan has developed a domestically produced AI system for real-time monitoring of drilling operations and plans to promote it in international markets, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov has announced.
Speaking at a government meeting on April 28 focused on integrating AI into the economy, Akkenzhenov announced the creation of an AI alliance under the Ministry of Energy. The alliance brings together technology companies, industry participants, and developers to coordinate the deployment of digital solutions, with a priority on local innovations.
One of the alliance’s key initiatives is an intelligent drilling monitoring system currently undergoing pilot implementation.
According to Akkenzhenov, the system covers more than 4,000 wells and analyzes production data in real time, identifying anomalies and forecasting output levels.
The pilot project is being implemented at facilities operated by KazMunayGas and other subsoil users.
The deployment is expected to reduce well downtime by up to 20% and generate an estimated economic benefit of around $2.2 million annually.
“It is important that the system has been developed in Kazakhstan and has export potential. Work is currently underway to promote it in international markets, including the United States,” Akkenzhenov said.
The minister added that AI is also being used to monitor the circulation of petroleum products. The system processes real-time data from oil refineries, storage facilities, the national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and government agencies.
This enables more accurate forecasting of fuel reserves and helps identify risks of shortages or excess supply.
“The expected outcome is an increase in planning accuracy to 85% and savings of up to $48.4 million annually,” the minister said.
The system was developed through cooperation between KazMunayGas and the Kazakh-British Technical University as part of the AI-Sana program aimed at strengthening AI capabilities.
According to the ministry, the AI alliance has developed a portfolio of 45 projects, 10 of which are currently under evaluation and preparation for implementation.
The Times of Central Asia previously reported that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had instructed the creation of a specialized artificial intelligence university in Kazakhstan.
