Hyderabad, July 13: Till a few years ago, electricity generation projects used to be set up close to where coal was available. They were called pit-head stations. But with increasing water shortage, power projects across the country are moving towards coastal areas thanks to new technology that desalinates water. More than 12 thermal power projects in Andhra Pradesh are coming up in coastal districts such as Nellore, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Ongole and East Godavari. They will be using new technology to convert saline water into water that can be used for industrial purposes. At present more than six major power projects including the Reliance Krishnapatnam Utra Mega project, APGenco Krishnapatnam, Gayatri Projects, Simhapuri Energy, Alfa Power and the Vodarevu mega project have shifted to desalination plants for their water needs.