| | SEPTEMBER 20268IN FOCUSDoosan Enerbility from South Korea has secured a contract worth 930 billion won (around $669.0 million) for the construction of a gas-fired combined cycle power plant in Oman, reinforcing its stake in the Middle East power generation sector.Doosan Enerbility declared on the 21st that it has finalized a construction agreement for the Misfah gas-fired combined cycle power facility in Oman.The overall value of the contract is around 930 billion won. In this initiative, Doosan Enerbility has established a partnership with SEPCO-3, a specialist in power plant construction, to carry out EPC activities that include design, procurement, and construction, while also supplying the plant's essential equipment such as steam turbines and generators directly.The Misfah gas-fired combined cycle power station is situated around 20 km west of Muscat, the capital city of Oman. The facility is expected to generate 1,700 MW of power, aiming for completion by April 2029. When finished, the facility is anticipated to help satisfy electricity needs and stabilize energy provision in Oman.The project owner consists of international developers. A project has been commissioned by a consortium comprising Nebras Power from Qatar, UAE's EUDC, and Oman's Bahwan Infrastructure Service (BIS). SoftBank Group has invested $200 million in Gravis Robotics, a Zurich-based construction robotics and physical AI startup, highlighting growing investor interest in autonomous machinery, industrial automation and AI-powered construction technology.The investment comes as industries seek solutions to labour shortages, productivity pressures and workplace safety. Reports suggest the funding could value Gravis at around $1 billion, although the company has not publicly confirmed its valuation.The investment adds Gravis to SoftBank's wider portfolio of artificial intelligence and robotics companies focused on bringing AI into the physical world. SoftBank has increasingly identified physical AI as an important investment area, with its portfolio covering robotics, autonomous systems and intelligent infrastructure.Masayoshi Son, founder and CEO of SoftBank has highlighted the potential of combining advanced AI with robotics to transform physically demanding industries. In his 2026 CEO message, Masayoshi said that when AI connects with robots, it can become "physical ASI," allowing machines to work and act more independently in the real world. He identified construction, manufacturing and agriculture among sectors that could benefit from intelligent robots. DOOSAN ENERBILITY SECURES GAS POWER PLANT DEAL IN OMANFinance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced that Korea's first project under its $350 billion investment pledge to the US is being evaluated within the energy sector.During a luncheon organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), Koo mentioned that the establishment of the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corp. (KUIC) in June created the institutional structure necessary to implement the investment plan.He urged firms from both nations to collaborate in finding commercially viable projects that would advantage both parties."Energy seems to be a sector garnering considerable attention," Koo remarked, emphasizing that obtaining adequate and cost-effective energy will be essential as electricity demand increases alongside the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).In response to complaints from the US Department of Commerce about the postponed choice of the initial investment project, Koo emphasized that "there is no intention to intentionally postpone the process." He stated that the administration would strive to find a project advantageous to both nations and proceed with it promptly. KOREA EYES ENERGY FOR UNDER $350 BILLION US INVESTMENT PLANSOFTBANK INVESTS $200 MILLION TO ADVANCE CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS
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