Kenya’s proposed $1.5 billion offshore AI data centre in Mombasa will face a complex approval process because it combines an LNG power plant, offshore infrastructure and a large data centre. The project, proposed by Greek firm Amaco Energy Group, is still at the proposal stage and has not yet secured formal permits.
On the energy side, the project will need approvals for LNG importation, storage and use, as well as for operating an independent power plant. EPRA and the Ministry of Energy are expected to be central to this process, particularly if the facility eventually connects to the national grid.
The offshore location adds another layer of regulation. NEMA would need to assess the project’s environmental impact, including marine ecosystems, water quality, emissions, cooling systems and LNG-related risks. Maritime and port authorities would also have to approve issues such as anchoring, navigation, seabed use and offshore safety.
The data centre itself would face data protection, cybersecurity and ICT requirements, while its onshore facilities would require county planning and construction approvals. International financiers could also impose additional environmental and social requirements before committing funds.
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The biggest challenge is therefore coordinating approvals across energy, environment, maritime, land and ICT regulators. The project is designed to avoid putting a huge load on Kenya’s grid, but its offshore LNG model introduces a different set of regulatory, environmental and safety questions that Amaco will have to resolve before construction can begin.
