One of the most important takeaways from Devon Energy Corporation’s recent performance isn’t headline growth from new drilling—it’s durable base production uplift driven by smart gas lift, AI-enabled optimization, and disciplined operations across its core basins.
In total, 429 wells were drilled across Devon’s portfolio. But the real story is how those wells—and the existing base—are performing as advanced technology is scaled basin by basin.
Wells Drilled by Play (Board-Ready Summary)
| Play | Wells Drilled |
|---|---|
| Permian Basin | 260 |
| Eagle Ford | 66 |
| Bakken | 61 |
| Anadarko Basin | 29 |
| Other / Non-core | 13 |
| Total Wells Drilled | 429 |
Permian Basin (260 wells): The Technology Flywheel
The Permian—specifically the Delaware Basin—has become the proving ground for Devon’s smart gas lift and AI optimization strategy, and it shows up clearly in the data.
Smart gas lift systems continuously adjust injection rates across centralized facilities, using AI models to maximize production while minimizing downtime. Devon reported 3–5% uplift on gas-lifted wells, and those gains are proving to be repeatable and scalable. When paired with AI-assisted drilling, faster tripping times, and predictive maintenance, the result is more oil from the same asset base.
With 260 wells drilled, the Permian isn’t just the most active basin—it’s where Devon is building a compounding advantage. Importantly, management emphasized that much of the production beat came from the base, not from adding rigs or flooding the market with new barrels.
Bottom line:
The Permian is where AI, smart gas lift, and operational scale converge to turn efficiency into sustainable base production growth.
Eagle Ford (66 wells): Optimization Over Expansion
In the Eagle Ford, the focus is not acceleration—it’s control and consistency.
After consolidating operational control, Devon applied the same optimization mindset used in the Permian: lower well costs, smarter artificial lift management, and tighter workover execution. Smart gas lift technologies proven in the Delaware are now applicable here as well, supporting base volumes without increasing capital intensity.
With 66 wells drilled, Eagle Ford remains a cash-efficient, steady contributor, benefiting from technology transfer rather than headline growth.
Bottom line:
The Eagle Ford is a disciplined asset where AI-driven lift optimization supports base production and margins, not aggressive expansion.
Bakken (61 wells): Base Stability Through Technology
The Bakken story is quietly powerful.
Rather than chasing growth, Devon emphasized base reliability—reducing artificial lift failures, optimizing workovers, and applying AI tools originally developed in the Permian. Smart gas lift and predictive analytics help keep wells online longer, lowering LOE and stabilizing output.
With 61 wells drilled, the Bakken continues to perform its role as a maintenance-mode asset, where incremental technology gains matter more than incremental drilling.
Bottom line:
In the Bakken, AI optimization protects the base and converts operational reliability into free cash flow.
Anadarko Basin (29 wells): Optionality with a Smarter Base
The Anadarko Basin drew attention less for drilling intensity and more for strategic optionality.
Management acknowledged renewed industry interest in the basin due to gas exposure and favorable market access. Internally, Devon is applying the same base-focused playbook: smarter artificial lift management, fewer failures, and better uptime.
With 29 wells drilled, Anadarko is not positioned as a growth engine—but its improved base performance makes it a more valuable strategic option, whether held, optimized, or eventually monetized.
Bottom line:
AI-driven base uplift keeps Anadarko competitive while preserving future portfolio flexibility.
The Bigger Picture: Growth Without Chasing Growth
Across all four basins, the common thread is clear:
Smart gas lift + AI optimization are allowing Devon to grow production from the base—without adding rigs, inflating capital, or sacrificing returns.
That shift matters. In a market focused on capital discipline and free cash flow durability, Devon’s approach demonstrates how technology-led operations can outperform traditional growth models.
This isn’t about drilling more wells.
It’s about making every well—and every barrel—work harder.
