The Sulabdar oil field, situated southeast of the Bibi Hakimeh oil field, holds a distinctive place in Iran’s oil industry. While its history dates back nearly a century, the field has faced challenges and milestones that have shaped its development trajectory.
Exploration of the Sulabdar oil field began as early as 1924 (1303 Hijri Shamsi) with the drilling of Sulabdar-1 and Sulabdar-2 wells. However, these initial efforts were deemed uneconomical, and the wells were subsequently abandoned.
A significant breakthrough occurred in 1971 (1350 Hijri Shamsi) when oil was discovered in the Upper Khami reservoir through the drilling of the Sulabdar-3 well. This marked the first confirmation of hydrocarbons in the field. Further attempts to develop the field were made with the drilling of Sulabdar-4 in 1978 (1357 Hijri Shamsi). However, despite repair operations between 1993 and 2001 (1372 to 1380 Hijri Shamsi), complexities in the reservoir structure and ambiguities in its characteristics have thus far hindered sustainable oil production from the field.
The Sulabdar oil field is primarily associated with the Upper Khami reservoir. Its geological complexities, including reservoir heterogeneity and uncertain productivity, make it a challenging target for oil extraction. These factors require advanced reservoir management techniques and innovative solutions to unlock its full potential.
Despite the promising discovery in 1971, production from the Sulabdar field has not been realized due to technical and economic challenges. Efforts to enhance production through well repairs and advanced analyses have yet to yield the desired outcomes. The field's history underscores the importance of continued research, investment in cutting-edge technologies, and strategic planning to overcome these obstacles.
The Sulabdar oil field’s location and potential reserves position it as a key asset for Iran’s oil and gas industry, despite its challenges. Lessons learned from Sulabdar’s development journey contribute to broader knowledge in reservoir management and extraction technologies, particularly in complex fields.
The Sulabdar oil field remains a field of interest for potential development. Ongoing research and advancements in oil extraction technologies offer hope for unlocking its resources. Investments in detailed geological studies and innovative recovery methods are likely to be critical in transforming Sulabdar from a field of unrealized potential into a productive asset.
The Sulabdar oil field’s long history reflects both the opportunities and challenges of oil exploration in Iran. While its journey has been marked by difficulties, its potential contribution to the country's energy landscape makes it an important focus for future exploration and development efforts.
