Discussions are underway with policymakers in India to deploy hundreds of Holtec small modular reactors throughout the subcontinent to generate geographically dispersed clean energy, the US-based nuclear technology company said.

With its small footprint of less than two hectares per reactor and its ability to be operated without a natural water source, Holtec’s SMR-160 provides an ideal solution to India’s skyrocketing energy needs, Holtec said.

The company said it is poised to build major components for the SMR-160 locally to accord with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s national manufacturing drive.

According to Holtec, mounting demand for clean and reliable baseload energy generation is fuelling interest from countries that view the “economically viable” SMR-160 as the solution for reducing their carbon footprint.