Google to deliver subsea cable infrastructure in Australia

A Google spokesperson said the company’s work on Australia Connect, its subsea cable infrastructure initiative, is ongoing, adding that Google looks forward to sharing more details soon.

Google previously reject reports that it planned to build a large AI data center on Christmas Island, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, after signing a cloud deal with Australia’s Department of Defence earlier this year, according to documents reviewed by Reuters and officials interviewed.

The facility has not been previously reported, and many details, including its size, cost, and uses, remain secret.

Google is in advanced talks to lease land near the island’s airport and secure energy from a local mining company, according to local council records and officials.

Military experts say Christmas Island is seen as a frontline in monitoring Chinese submarine and other naval activity in the region.

Experts add that the center would support AI-enabled command and control for surveillance, targeting missions, and uncrewed systems, as well as provide more reliable communications via subsea cables.

Google recently applied for environmental approvals to build the island’s first subsea cable to Darwin, where the US Marine Corps are based for six months each year.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson said in a separate statement sent to Tech in Asia on November 7 that the company was not constructing the data center on Christmas Island.

“This is a continuation of our Australia Connect work to deliver subsea cable infrastructure, and we look forward to sharing more soon,” the spokesperson said.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Christmas Island’s current power system is unlikely to support a large AI data center without major upgrades

With a large AI data center plus a new subsea connection proposed for Christmas Island, available electricity will shape feasibility and timing.

Large AI data centers can draw a lot of power. Christmas Island relies on diesel generation (diesel-fueled generator sets) 1 and serves 1,700 people 2, so the grid is small by comparison.
Modern combined cycle plants (gas plus steam turbines that reuse waste heat) reach over 64% efficiency with 40–1,800 MW capacities 3, while the largest reciprocating-engine sites span 267–573 MW 4.
A feasibility study on decarbonizing the power system runs 28 May 2025 to 27 February 2026 5, so major power expansion remains early.