From Mining Dust to Digital Dawn Google Wires Christmas Island with Currents of Clean Power

Google’s Indian Ocean ambitions take shape  
Alphabet’s Google confirmed its investment in a new data hub on Christmas Island, a strategic outpost in the Indian Ocean. Alongside the hub, Google will construct subsea cable systems to connect the island with the Maldives and Oman, strengthening regional internet infrastructure. While concerns were raised about power sufficiency for locals, mining operations, and the data centre, both Google and Phosphate Resources Ltd assured that current supply is adequate.  

The arrival of the tech giant is expected to spur investment in renewable energy, reducing reliance on diesel and diversifying the island’s economy beyond phosphate mining. Analysts note that the project positions Christmas Island as a critical node for digital connectivity and sustainable energy transition in the region.  

Major takeaways  

• Google to build a data hub on Christmas Island 350 km south of Indonesia  
• Subsea cables planned to connect the island with Maldives and Oman  
• Concerns about power supply addressed with assurances of adequacy  
• Project expected to accelerate renewable energy adoption on the island  
• Economic diversification beyond phosphate mining seen as a long-term benefit  

Sources: Channel News Asia, Economic Times, Telegraph India, Devdiscourse, Intellectia