Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Romania is entering a new phase of industrial expansion as major projects in energy, defence, and critical materials begin to translate into tangible growth for the country’s logistics and manufacturing sectors. Supported by both national initiatives and European funding, these investments are expected to boost Romania’s role in strengthening regional energy security and industrial resilience.
In the renewable energy and storage sector, Prime Batteries Technology is expanding its facility near Bucharest from 2.5 GWh to 8.5 GWh of annual production capacity. The investment will significantly increase domestic output of energy storage systems and lithium-ion batteries, supplying European clean-energy markets. The project has already created new demand for logistics and warehouse capacity to support the handling of high-value components and finished modules.
A second flagship initiative is the Doicești small modular reactor (SMR) project in Dâmbovița County, developed by Nuclearelectrica in partnership with NuScale Power and Fluor Corporation, with support from the US Export–Import Bank. Designed to host six 77 MW modules—a combined output of 462 MW—the plant could become one of Europe’s first operational SMR facilities. The project, currently in its second engineering phase, is already generating regional construction activity and specialised transport demand for heavy and high-precision equipment.
Romania has also been included among the EU member states selected for €615 million in funding under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which aims to strengthen Europe’s capacity for mining, processing, and recycling strategic resources. Among the key initiatives is Verde Magnesium’s plan to restart magnesium production in Bihor County, positioning Romania as one of Europe’s limited domestic suppliers of the material essential for lightweight alloys and clean technologies.
The defence sector is undergoing similar expansion. A planned €535 million ammunition powder plant, to be built by Rheinmetall, is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and will create approximately 700 jobs. The investment will enhance Romania’s defence manufacturing base and add to the country’s growing network of logistics and supply infrastructure serving the sector.
Romania’s strategic location is being reinforced by large-scale logistics upgrades. The recent €130 million expansion of the DP World Constanța terminal doubled its container capacity to 1.5 million TEU, adding new intermodal and project-cargo facilities. The improved maritime gateway will support logistics flows linked to both renewable energy and defence-related cargo across the region.
According to Cushman & Wakefield, Romania’s modern industrial and logistics stock is expected to reach around 8 million square metres by the end of 2025, reflecting continuous demand from manufacturing and distribution companies.
Andrei Brînzea, Partner Business Development at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, said the convergence of these investments is positioning Romania as a key industrial hub in Europe:
“In a European context marked by geopolitical and economic shifts, Romania could consolidate its strategic position for these industries. Investments in infrastructure, favourable public policies and partnerships with global leaders will accelerate this transformation, with a positive impact on the national economy and the country’s standing on the industrial map of Europe. On the other hand, understanding the logistical and industrial needs of companies in these sectors can open opportunities for both tenants and investors.”
Taken together, these projects and policies mark a structural shift in Romania’s economic landscape. Strategic investments in energy, defence, and critical materials are not only expanding the country’s industrial capacity but also reshaping its logistics framework—strengthening Romania’s position as a central link in Europe’s evolving network of sustainable production and supply chains.
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Echinox
Photo: Andrei Brînzea, Partner Business Development at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox
